Chapter 184: The Next Master

Episode 184

Esteban turned to Francisco and asked,

“Didn’t he say he would come back for the interview after the match?”

“Yes, that’s what he said. But we didn’t discuss where he would wait…”

Francisco trailed off, and Esteban looked back at the TV.

Yoo Jun-ho, on the broadcast, was waving casually at the camera that was filming him.

“Why is he being so blatant about approaching Alopsky…?”

Esteban couldn’t understand his actions.

Moreover, judging by his boldness, it didn’t seem like he was trying to poach Alopsky for his clan.

The Korean Clan wouldn’t do something so reckless as to openly antagonize the Triunfo Clan, with whom they had no prior connection, unless they were crazy.

“…This is no good. Tian.”

“Yes.”

“Contact the intelligence department and tell them to find out why the Korean Clan is approaching Alopsky.”

“Yes, sir.”

Tian, the Vice Master, immediately took out his smartphone and contacted the intelligence department.

Meanwhile, Esteban continued giving instructions to Francisco.

“And send some hunters to escort the Korean Clan members. It’s not a good look to ignore them when they’re so prominently displayed on camera.”

“As you wish, Master.”

* * *

“The Triunfo Clan is being considerate.”

Yoo Jun-ho said, looking at the Triunfo Clan hunters who had started escorting them through the coffee shop window.

“Well, they can’t ignore us now that we’re on camera. I hope we’re not causing too much trouble.”

“…You knew this would happen, didn’t you?”

Hong Yeonseok asked, but Yoo Jun-ho just chuckled softly.

He took a sip of his coffee and continued,

“Do you know why I’m being so public about this?”

Hong Yeonseok looked at him silently, and Yoo Jun-ho answered his own question.

“Because Alopsky has become too famous. It’s obvious that it’ll be difficult to meet him except through public encounters like this from now on.”

“Difficult to meet…?”

“The Triunfo Clan will do everything they can to prevent Alopsky from being poached by other clans.

Do you remember when I first joined the Korean Clan?”

“Yes. The Master practically kept you by his side for months.”

“Hahaha… I believe Alopsky deserves that level of protection from the Triunfo Clan.”

Hong Yeonseok thought for a moment and nodded in agreement.

He had also been watching Alopsky’s performance since the first round. And his performance was far more dominant than any other participant.

What would the Korean Clan’s reaction be if such a talent had joined them?

‘Even if he wasn’t on Yoo Jun-ho’s level, they would have done everything to protect him from being poached by other clans.’

They would have immediately restricted access to him, preventing other clan executives from approaching him.

He understood Yoo Jun-ho’s words completely.

“In other words,”

Yoo Jun-ho continued,

“even if Alopsky is Kim Jinsung, there’s nothing we can do about it now.”

Hong Yeonseok’s eyes widened.

He hadn’t expected those words from Yoo Jun-ho.

“…Weren’t we here to take further action if he turned out to be Kim Jinsung?”

“That’s true. But not in the way we originally planned…”

Yoo Jun-ho suddenly stopped speaking and gathered Mana.

Hong Yeonseok saw a thin Mana barrier forming around them.

“…We can’t harm him, arrest him, or assassinate him anymore.”

Yoo Jun-ho continued.

It seemed like he had cast a soundproof barrier to prevent the Triunfo hunters escorting them from eavesdropping.

“That would obviously damage our relationship with the Triunfo Clan. And I don’t want to do something foolish like antagonizing a Major Clan over one Kim Jinsung.”

“Then what kind of action are you planning to take?”

“First, we need to meet him and talk. We need to confirm whether he’s Kim Jinsung or not.

If he’s not, then we don’t have to worry about him anymore. But if he is…”

Yoo Jun-ho continued,

“we’ll need to strengthen our relationship with the Triunfo Clan.”

Hong Yeonseok’s eyes widened as he understood his meaning.

“…Is Kim Jinsung that valuable? Valuable enough to single-handedly elevate the status of a Major Clan?”

He asked in a surprised voice, and Yoo Jun-ho nodded.

“Based on what I saw in the Colosseum program, Kim Jinsung, even without his abilities, has exceptional physical abilities, judgment, boldness, and leadership.

His natural talent alone is enough to make him a top hunter, and his abilities are just icing on the cake.”

The ability to absorb the unique abilities of defeated opponents.

Everyone who had watched the Colosseum, from the preliminary rounds to the finals, was certain that this was Kim Jinsung’s ability.

“And this is the New Continent. There are far more and better ‘ingredients’ to absorb here than in the Colosseum.

If Alopsky is Kim Jinsung, I’m certain he’ll become one of the strongest members of the Triunfo Clan within a few months after the newbie showdown ends.

Don’t you remember? He absorbed the ‘Illusionary Mist’ ability and used it on you and your subordinates right away.”

“……”

“Think about it. What if Kim Jinsung enters a high-level demon world dungeon and absorbs the abilities of demon lords…?”

“……!”

Hong Yeonseok shuddered at the thought.

It currently took the full force of a Major Clan to defeat a single demon lord. What if someone absorbed the power of a demon lord…?

“It’s definitely better to be on good terms with a clan that has such a monstrous talent. It’ll be a huge headache if they become our enemy.”

“……”

“Do you understand why I brought you here personally now?”

Yoo Jun-ho smiled at Hong Yeonseok.

“But Master Yong believes that Kim Jinsung must be captured or killed. If Alopsky is Kim Jinsung, wouldn’t it be difficult to proceed with your plan without persuading the Master?”

The representative and leader of the Korean Clan was Yong Hangil.

If Yong Hangil insisted on doing things his way, even Yoo Jun-ho, who was currently on a roll, would have to back down.

“Well…”

**Buzz!**

Yoo Jun-ho’s answer was interrupted by a vibration on the table.

It was Hong Yeonseok’s smartphone ringing.

“…The Master is being impatient.”

Yoo Jun-ho chuckled as he checked the caller ID.

It was Master Yong Hangil.

Unlike Yoo Jun-ho, Hong Yeonseok’s expression darkened.

‘He’s definitely going to be furious that we came here without his permission…’

He picked up his smartphone with a troubled expression and was about to answer the call when

“I’ll answer it.”

Yoo Jun-ho took his smartphone, pressed the answer button, and put it to his ear.

– Team Leader Hong! What the hell…!

“It’s me, Master.”

Yong Hangil’s shouting abruptly stopped.

After a moment of silence,

– …Why are you both there without telling me?

Yong Hangil’s voice was calmer now, but still laced with anger.

“We received information that Alopsky might be Kim Jinsung. I personally requested an interview with the Triunfo Clan.”

– What? You made such an important decision without consulting me?!

“Didn’t you say I could handle simple interviews on my own now?”

– That was…!

Yong Hangil fell silent, seemingly speechless.

– …Then why did you bring Team Leader Hong with you? You know how busy he is, don’t you? Why did you…

“I checked his schedule, and he was the only team leader who was free today. Didn’t you say that a team leader should always be present at such events?”

– W-well, yes, but you can’t treat Team Leader Hong like any other team leader!

“Does it really matter? Wouldn’t it be better for me, who lacks practical experience, to have someone experienced like Team Leader Hong by my side? It would give me a sense of stability.”

Yoo Jun-ho answered smoothly, without backing down. Hong Yeonseok, watching him, thought to himself, ‘He’s really good at talking…’

– Ugh…! You’re not going to let me win a single argument…!

Yoo Jun-ho chuckled softly as Yong Hangil finally gave up.

“We’ll just have the interview and come back safely. Don’t worry too much.”

– Call me as soon as you get back!

“Yes, yes.”

He hung up the phone and handed it back to Hong Yeonseok.

“See? He can’t say no to me. You asked me earlier how I would persuade the Master if Alopsky turned out to be Kim Jinsung, right?”

He smiled at Hong Yeonseok and continued,

“I can definitely persuade him, especially since I’m his favorite disciple. You don’t have to worry about that at all.”

He winked, and Hong Yeonseok chuckled, shaking his head.

‘Well, Master Yong always melts at Yoo Jun-ho’s words.’

The disciple and protégé that Yong Hangil had been searching for his entire life.

The perfect successor who possessed everything he had ever desired.

Even the stubborn Yong Hangil always yielded to Yoo Jun-ho’s opinions. His principles and beliefs, which always prioritized the clan above all else, were always an exception when it came to Yoo Jun-ho.

‘Well, anyone would have to acknowledge someone with such overwhelming talent…’

Even Hong Yeonseok, who was his senior, had to admit that Yoo Jun-ho was perfect.

Both as a hunter and as a leader.

It was no coincidence that no one, including Hong Yeonseok, had objected when Yong Hangil had appointed Yoo Jun-ho as Vice Master just two years after he joined the clan. They had all congratulated him sincerely.

Everyone in the Korean Clan had already accepted Yoo Jun-ho as their next Master.

“Oh, and I meant what I said earlier.”

“…What do you mean?”

“I need someone experienced like you, Team Leader Hong, by my side until I gain enough practical experience.”

“Ah…”

Yoo Jun-ho looked at Hong Yeonseok and said,

“We’ll be working together a lot from now on. Until I’m fully ready to take over, that is. I’ll be counting on you.”

“It’s my pleasure.”

As Hong Yeonseok bowed his head, Yoo Jun-ho looked at him with a reassuring gaze, when

“Oh!”

“He finally used it!”

“This is intense!”

Exclamations suddenly erupted from outside the window. It was the spectators watching the newbie showdown on the big screen.

“What’s going on?”

Yoo Jun-ho quickly tapped his smartphone screen and turned on the live broadcast of the newbie showdown.