The Genius Assassin Who Takes it All

With each level up, he gained free stats, and most importantly, the health stat, which was crucial for Kang-hoo.

Such items were known as stat-proportional items, highly valued for their efficiency.

Of course, their charm diminished once they no longer provided proportional benefits.

But by that time, it was likely that better items would be available to wear, so there was no need to worry.

In short, for the growth phase, this item’s performance was superior to any other. Without hesitation, Kang-hoo removed the Prelude to Madness gloves and put on the Soul Mate gloves.

[Guided by the Wind - Shoes]

[Grade: 5th Grade]

[Agility +50]

[Permanent increase in movement speed by 33%.]

‘No need to think twice about changing these shoes.’

Before taking off his current shoes, Kang-hoo double-checked them. It was always good to be thorough.

[Pursuit Shoes - Shoes]

[Grade: 6th Grade]

[Agility +25]

[When chasing a designated target, movement speed increases by 25%.]

‘As expected.’

The new shoes were undoubtedly superior from any perspective.

Kang-hoo immediately changed into the new shoes. He could sell the old ones for something.

Afterward,

the items looted from the dead hunters were either duplicates or less efficient.

So, he categorized them all for sale. He estimated that selling them might easily bring in about 500 million won.

Kang-hoo didn’t concern himself with the value of the spoils Yun Sang-mi collected.

That was her domain. Perfect separation of rewards was one of Kang-hoo’s fundamental principles.

Vrooom!

The safety bus continued its journey south.

The bus driver, having stopped his bleeding and resolved the interior situation, regained his composure.

Especially since Kang-hoo had given him 2 million won for driving and medical treatment.

He had to push hard on the accelerator. Thanks to that, the ride remained comfortable.

Although the bus smelled of blood, Kang-hoo paid it no mind. His expression was calm.

Yun Sang-mi occasionally wiped her nose but soon grew accustomed to the familiar smell.

The silence inside the bus filled with sounds only after they stopped at a rest area.

Kang-hoo bought canned coffee, while Yun Sang-mi purchased canned beer, sparking a bit of conversation.

As usual, Yun Sang-mi was the first to speak, with Kang-hoo typically playing the listener.

“Oppa.”

“No.”

“…Eh? I just called you Oppa. What’s there to dislike? I haven’t even said anything yet?”

“Let’s play solo.”

“What? Oppa, that’s scary! Did you learn how to read minds or something?”

“No. When you seriously call me Oppa, it usually means you want to team up.”

“Tch. You’re really playing hard to get.”

Yun Sang-mi pouted, her intentions exposed before she could articulate them.

From her perspective, Kang-hoo was too valuable a resource to go solo. Of course, that was her personal view.

His skills were exceptional.

It seemed he could be dropped anywhere and resolve any issue.

He also seemed fearless.

In reality, she harbored more concerns.

Even during the earlier bus fight, despite her own skills, she felt daunted by the outnumbering foes.

Had Kang-hoo not been assertive in taking control, she genuinely contemplated disembarking.

This was because she couldn’t assess the full scope of the opponent’s capabilities.

Had they been exceedingly strong, her life could have ended there and then. But Kang-hoo’s actions were unwavering.

‘Maybe the closeness we share now is quite rare. I should be content with it.’

With that thought, Yun Sang-mi settled her mind.

Kang-hoo didn’t appear to maintain many social connections or understand them well.

Thus, their current level of acquaintance was likely closer than most.

Yun Sang-mi steered the conversation elsewhere.

“What do you plan to do when we get to Ulsan?”

“Assess the situation and decide. But I have no intention of being a sacrificial lamb for fireworks.”

Kang-hoo replied coolly.

Noticing that his words might have come off as terse, Kang-hoo casually inquired.

“What about you?”

“I’m looking for some useful ‘fireworks.’ There are often many delusional ones in such places.”

“Looking for cannon fodder, then?”

“Phrase it more eloquently, please. How can you be so direct?”

Yun Sang-mi laughed

because her intentions had been seen through.

She was the type to use whatever resources she could to achieve her goals, not minding the means.

Her approach of moving separately and seeking opportunities was completely different from Kang-hoo’s.

“Don’t drink too much. A sword dulled by alcohol is the most useless of all.”

“At least I don’t wander around with a pale face like someone. Don’t worry. Humph.”

She glanced at Kang-hoo’s face.

It was indeed pale. How could he lack any color even after such a heated battle?

This man, who seemed to carry all the world’s tragedies, sorrows, and pain, had built a wall around himself.

Yun Sang-mi wanted to peek into Kang-hoo’s inner world.

Perhaps the more he refused to show, the more curious she became, like a contrarian.

But it seemed it would take time to open up Kang-hoo’s heart. It looked like it would require a lot of effort.

---

After arriving at the Ulsan Intercity Bus Terminal,

“If there’s a chance, let’s meet again.”

“It seems you’ve made connections with Lee Ye-rin. We’ll probably meet often then.”

“How about exchanging contacts since we’re acquainted? I won’t bother you.”

“It’s because we’re only this acquainted that I won’t do it.”

“Wow! That hurts my pride. You know, I get a lot of guys asking for my number.”

“Then give me yours. I don’t plan to give mine.”

“Your character is really something. Fine, I’m leaving!”

“Don’t block my way in the future.”

“Same to you, Oppa! Don’t block my way. He’s mine to catch.”

Though she turned away with an apparently angry face, a smile soon appeared on Yun Sang-mi’s face.

The more Kang-hoo treated her like that, the more she wanted to get closer.

Given there was also a romantic attraction, she seemed to view everything through rose-colored glasses.

Yun Sang-mi quickly vanished.

Kang-hoo left the bus terminal, bustling with mercenaries, without delay.

Mercenaries gathering to target Gong Tae-su were not allies but potential rivals.

If they were unlucky, they could end up fighting each other while aiming for the same target.

Gong Tae-su’s official schedule had been shared; he was expected to start an assault on a nearby dungeon soon.

Mercenaries were flocking to Ulsan Station and the bus terminal due to its proximity to the dungeon.

Unlike other mercenaries who were hastily moving toward the dungeon,

Kang-hoo chose a completely different path. He moved to the rooftop of a building that overlooked the dungeon.

His reason was simple; he had no intention of targeting Gong Tae-su.

The plans of the other mercenaries were predictable.

They would wait until Gong Tae-su and his team entered the dungeon, which would cut off external information.

During that time, they would ‘clean up’ the surrounding area of the dungeon.

Then, as Gong Tae-su’s group emerged, they would immediately ambush them.

This method was also the most certain way to target Gong Tae-su.

Since the dungeon’s entrance and exit were the same, there was no other escape.

At that moment,

“Make way! Anyone blocking the path of Captain Gong Tae-su will regret it!”

A booming voice echoed.

It emanated from the Red Blood organization’s members moving forward. One of the subordinates with a loud voice seemed to be shouting.

At the center of the group was Gong Tae-su, the mage hunter with striking golden gloves.

The mercenaries who saw Gong Tae-su swallowed their nerves.

Although Kang-hoo was in plain clothes, he could clearly discern their origins and nature.

But that wasn’t his concern.

‘As expected.’

The situation was unfolding exactly as Kang-hoo had anticipated.

He focused on Gong Tae-su, but no constellation information was visible on him.

Instead, the subordinates guarding Gong Tae-su had contracted constellations.

‘Has he created a mask? I don’t know how, but it’s perfectly concealed.’

Kang-hoo nodded.

The Gong Tae-su in sight was not the real one; he was a fake wearing Gong Tae-su’s face.

Where the real one was, he didn’t know, but it was clear that the man everyone saw was not him.

His thoughts couldn’t stop there.

Before the fake Gong Tae-su appeared, mercenaries had positioned themselves around the area.

That meant the real Gong Tae-su might be planning a larger encirclement to take them all down at once.

Who would want to let those who came to kill them go easily?

Especially the ‘Butcher of Ulsan,’ it would be strange if he let them go without a fight.

‘Let’s find him.’

Kang-hoo surveyed the surroundings from the rooftop.

He wondered if Gong Tae-su, watching all this, was also itching to make a move.

The stage was well set in disguise, and if things went as planned, catching a big fish was just a matter of time.

Surely, the real Gong Tae-su would be watching from somewhere close, waiting for the perfect moment to counterattack.

‘That hotel isn’t bad.’

Kang-hoo eyed a hotel with a clear view of the dungeon.

The real Gong Tae-su might be staying there. Of course, the hotel would also be crowded with mercenaries.

‘Maybe it’s time for some shopping.’

Kang-hoo refocused his attention.

Though he had quickly surveyed the surroundings in a moment of impulse, nothing would happen right away.

The dungeon Gong Tae-su planned to attack would take at least a day to conquer.

So, stepping out for a bit to visit other places wouldn’t pose a strategic problem.

With a market nearby, he intended to visit it and sell all the loot from the bus battle.

Based on that balance, he planned to buy a useful item.

After selling everything, he expected his balance to reach around 2 billion won.

With that amount, he could certainly purchase a fourth-grade item. Preferably a ring, as he had more room for accessories.

An hour passed.

After scouring Ulsan’s Third Market, Kang-hoo chose an item that caught his eye the most.

It was a ring that seemed significant to him, as he suffered from mana hypersensitivity and pain exposure.

In fact, he had always wanted it, but could never find it in the market.

That item was…