The competitive match between Ronik Guild and Circle Guild was scheduled for two weeks from now. And the meeting Kwon Taehyuk arranged for me, the one I’d requested, was happening today — just two days after I asked.
“I couldn’t even bring myself to ask for it quickly, but he set it up right away.”
Did he pick up on my intentions? Kwon Taehyuk really was sharp.
"Welcome, Guildmaster Won."
As I came down from the office with Cha Sahyeon, the driver — who had been waiting with the car ready — greeted us politely.
It was the car Kwon Taehyuk had sent for us. I had no problem accepting hospitality from someone so wealthy, but compared to last time, the driver’s excessive politeness felt a bit awkward.
On the ride to the meeting location, I organized my thoughts.
The "natural setting" Kwon Taehyuk had chosen for me to meet Ryu Sunghyun was a simple lunch gathering. It was an ordinary, low-key approach — which made it all the more effective.
Officially, it was a follow-up to apologize for the unpleasant events during the last dungeon. All participating guilds were invited. Of course, that included Circle Guild.
Kwon Taehyuk surely knew that the Circle Guildmaster rarely showed up to events like this. The odds were high that Ryu Sunghyun — who had personally entered the dungeon — would come in the guildmaster’s place.
Kwon Taehyuk had exceeded expectations in helping me. Now, it was up to me to make this count.
“We’ve arrived.”
About 30 minutes later, the car pulled up to a traditional Korean-style restaurant.
Since this gathering was arranged at my request, he could’ve picked any decent place. But renting out a whole upscale establishment like this?
“This is the power of the country’s #1 guild leader, huh?”
This was next-level flexing. Must be nice having money. I wonder... if I got close to Kwon Taehyuk, could I eat like this every day?
We crossed a garden with ◈ Nоvеlіgһт ◈ (Continue reading) a small pond and stepped into the restaurant. A staff member, not a secretary, guided us to a private room.
From the hum of conversation as we passed, it was clear other guild members had already arrived and were enjoying their meals.
“Please go on in.”
The staff quietly stepped aside after pointing us to the room. I slowly slid open the paper door, decorated with elegant patterns. Inside, I saw Kwon Taehyuk already seated.
“You’ve arrived.”
Even though no one else was there, Kwon Taehyuk sat perfectly upright, his posture flawless. He gestured for me to enter, then looked at Cha Sahyeon beside me.
Sahyeon didn’t avoid his gaze — she met it head-on. Caught between the two of them locked in an unexpected staredown, I felt weirdly out of place.
“What’s with this atmosphere?”
Well, Sahyeon stared like that at everyone but me, so that wasn’t surprising. What puzzled me was why Kwon Taehyuk was returning the stare.
“You’re here early.”
I tried to break the tension with a casual greeting and sat across from him with Sahyeon.
After taking a sip from his water glass, Kwon Taehyuk answered calmly.
“I may be dining separately, but I did host this gathering. It was only right to arrive first.”
“You’re diligent.”
I shared the thought I always had when I saw him. Kwon Taehyuk looked at me with a curious expression, then said:
“Isn’t your situation a little more urgent, Hunter Cha Seohu?”
He quietly set his water down.
“It won’t be easy to persuade him.”
He’d figured it out — all of it. I had nothing to say in return, so I gave a bitter smile.
The guild-versus-guild match was more like a sport — with pre-selected members from each side. Sometimes it was best-of-three, sometimes just a single match. Teams could consist of 12 or 6 members, depending on the agreed format.
If my prediction was right...
“Ronik will definitely push for a best-of-three. With all twelve members.”
It worked in their favor.
Compared to Ronik, Circle Guild lacked both in numbers and in rank. Most importantly, they didn’t have enough players to fill each role.
A twelve-member team usually included 6 DPS, 4 tanks, and 2 support. It could vary slightly, but that was the ideal and most common setup.
But Circle Guild... they didn’t even have a decent number of tanks or DPS — and worse, they had no supports.
“Even before regression, Circle didn’t have a proper support besides me. It’s not like that would’ve changed now.”
Fortunately, there was one rule in place: both guilds had to submit equal roles for the match.
So if Ronik submitted two supports, Circle had to provide two as well. If they didn’t have enough, they’d have to bring in help from elsewhere.
That’s where I came in — as support for Circle.
Only then would they have a chance of winning. Even if it meant exposing the fact that I had two skills, I’d make sure they won.
“But... Ryu Sunghyun won’t accept the offer that easily.”
Just like Kwon Taehyuk had said — Ryu Sunghyun, despite his gentle appearance, was extremely guarded.
We weren’t even close. We’d only met a couple of times. If I offered to help, he’d turn me down without hesitation.
If we were meeting for the first time, and it was under official business, he might have at least considered it. He knew well that his guild was at a disadvantage.
But I’d already helped the Circle Guild during that dungeon incident. And because of that, Ryu Sunghyun felt indebted. There was no way he’d accept a second helping hand from me now.
He was the type who gave nothing to those outside his trusted circle.
Before regression, I used to think that meant he’d never fall for a scam — which was reassuring. Never thought I’d end up on the outside of that circle myself. Life’s funny that way.
“Well... guess I’ll just have to charm him.”
I muttered like a joke, only to have both Kwon Taehyuk and Cha Sahyeon turn to look at me at the same time. What now?
“...I’ve noticed this before.”
Kwon Taehyuk turned away like it was nothing, then asked:
“You seem to be especially concerned with Ryu Sunghyun, Hunter Cha Seohu.”
“Do I?”
“In the dungeon, and now with this plan — everything seems to revolve around him.”
Strictly speaking, it was about the Circle Guild, not just Ryu Sunghyun. He was just included in that scope.
“Hmm, maybe.”
But I didn’t need to explain all that to Kwon Taehyuk. And besides, he wasn’t wrong — supporting Ryu meant supporting Circle.
Just as I was about to steer the conversation away from Sunghyun, I sensed someone outside the door. A moment later, it slid open.
“Ah, Hunter Kwon Taehyuk. And... Hunter Cha Seohu?”
“Welcome.”
Ryu Sunghyun stepped in with a surprised expression. From the look on his face, it was clear he had no idea why he’d been invited here.
“Please, have a seat, Hunter Ryu.”
After a moment’s hesitation, Sunghyun gave a sheepish smile and sat beside Kwon Taehyuk. Damn. I’d expected it, but it still stung a little.
“I get it... I’ve got the kid with me... we’ve only met twice... it’s awkward... yeah, I understand.”
I took a sip of water, my throat oddly dry.
“I remembered the three of us worked together on that monster issue, so I arranged this to say thank you.”
Kwon Taehyuk’s plausible explanation finally seemed to convince Sunghyun, who wiped his hands with a moist towelette before giving me a slightly stiff smile.
“It’s been a while, Hunter Cha Seohu. Have you been well?”
“Yes, I’ve been doing fine. Nice to see you again.”
It had only been about two months, but we were speaking like we were total strangers.
In less than ten minutes, it was obvious how distant I still was to Ryu Sunghyun.
Before my regression, I’d joined the Circle Guild early on — that’s probably why we grew closer back then. Realizing that now left a bitter taste in my mouth.
“And... um, looks like your little sister is doing well too.”
Sunghyun added, noticing Sahyeon seated quietly beside me.
She’d glared daggers at Kwon Taehyuk the moment she entered the room — unsurprising — but she didn’t glare at Ryu Sunghyun. Just looked at him blankly. Not a word, though.
“Excuse me.”
A staff member carefully opened the door and began placing dishes across the table.
"......"
"......"
"......"
Once the food was served and the staff left, a chilly silence settled over the room — and stayed.
Kwon Taehyuk, expressionless, picked up his chopsticks. Ryu Sunghyun sipped his water with an awkward smile. Cha Sahyeon just sat there, lost in thought, her face unreadable.
We’d come to such a fancy place... and yet I felt like I had a rock in my stomach.
I let out a silent sigh, alone in the heavy stillness.

Comments

Loading...