Murim Login - Chapter 405

“Then we will commence the operation at 06:30 tomorrow. Please execute the plan flawlessly as per the orders issued.” With this final statement from **Wei Fenghu**, the Minister of National Defense, the meeting concluded.

As the five monitors shut off, **Lee Jung-Ryong**, the Vice Guild Leader of the **Ares Guild**, leaned back in his chair.

“The pace is faster than expected,” he thought.

This wasn’t a war that would end easily, nor should it.

China, a hunter powerhouse with an enormous number of hunters, is also a very closed-off country. It’s one of the few places where the **Ares Guild** hasn’t been able to establish itself due to its insular nature.

For that reason, **Lee Jung-Ryong** wasn’t particularly interested in China’s stability. The more damage China sustained, the more cracks would form for him to exploit.

Over a million casualties? Hundreds of trillions in property damage?

What did that matter? This **Monster Wave** may have been a catastrophe for some, but for **Lee Jung-Ryong**, it was an opportunity.

But…

“Once again, Jin Tae-Kyung is the problem.”

**Lee Jung-Ryong** tapped the table lightly with his finger.

While he understood that things rarely went according to plan, the constant interference from **Jin Tae-Kyung** was starting to feel more like a threat.

“He’s a dangerous man.”

The initial interest **Lee Jung-Ryong** felt when he first learned of **Jin Tae-Kyung’s** existence had long since faded.

It was like watching a small child, who had barely reached his waist just a few months ago, suddenly grow tall enough to meet his gaze. An adult couldn’t help but feel uneasy.

And if that child’s growth wasn’t slowing down?

“He’ll only become more dangerous.”

The **Arch-Lich’s** uprising may have presented an opportunity for **Lee Jung-Ryong**, but for **Jin Tae-Kyung**, it was a pair of wings.

**Jin Tae-Kyung** had made incredible contributions and was now basking in the spotlight of the world.

A new hero had emerged from the chaos of war, much like the heroes who rose during the **Great Change** era.

“People fear and admire the strong, but they revere heroes.”

**Lee Jung-Ryong** understood this well. And if this war ended with **Jin Tae-Kyung’s** victories, then…

*Crunch.*

Without realizing it, his aura-infused fingertip had pierced the table, reducing the wood beneath to powder.

He stared silently at the small hole in the table.

For now, it was just a small hole. But if it grew larger, it could become uncontrollable. Before the table collapsed, he needed to fill that hole.

“Tell the head of security to come in.”

As the low voice escaped **Lee Jung-Ryong’s** lips, someone waiting outside the room immediately moved to fulfill the request.

Moments later, a familiar presence entered the room.

“You called for me?”

It wasn’t just **Jin Tae-Kyung** who had changed in recent times.

**Seok Go-Joon**, the head of security and **Lee Jung-Ryong’s** right-hand man, had also gone through significant changes.

His eyes were dark and sunken, and his voice had become hollow. Some who knew him whispered that his defeat at **Jin Tae-Kyung’s** hands had hardened his already stern expression even further, but **Lee Jung-Ryong** saw it differently.

“You look well.”

“I’ve made some progress.”

“Don’t be too humble. You’ve earned praise for your performance in today’s battle.”

“…Thank you.”

Today, despite the heavy casualties caused by the monster legion’s sudden ambush across five fronts, the northern front, under **Lee Jung-Ryong’s** command, was an exception.

The **Ares Guild** had maintained its strength by taking a cautious approach to the battles, and **Seok Go-Joon** had single-handedly taken down two of the leading **Death Knights**.

“What are the casualties?”

“11 severely injured, 46 with minor injuries. No deaths. The severely injured will take some time to recover, but the minor injuries have already been fully treated.”

The 4,000 combined casualties of hunters and soldiers hadn’t touched them.

For **Lee Jung-Ryong** and **Seok Go-Joon**, the **Ares Guild** was their only concern.

“It’s unfortunate about the commander. He was a man of principle. Shame he met his end like that…”

At **Lee Jung-Ryong’s** words, **Seok Go-Joon’s** eyes darkened even further.

“I apologize. I tried my best to stop them, but there were just too many monsters.”

“There was nothing you could’ve done. Was the body properly handled?”

“It was badly damaged, so we had no choice but to cremate it. The same was done for the staff who died with him.”

“You did well. Oh, and I’m sure you know that **Lieutenant General Wang Oh-Chun** has been appointed as the new commander?”

“Yes. I just greeted him on the way here.”

Only a select few, including **Lee Jung-Ryong**, knew that **Wang Oh-Chun** and **Seok Go-Joon** were no strangers.

For several years, the two had been secretly meeting at a hidden safe house, and after each meeting, **Wang Oh-Chun’s** car trunk had grown heavier.

“And what did he say?”

“He asked for my continued support.”

A faint smile appeared on **Lee Jung-Ryong’s** lips.

“As expected. We’ll be fighting side by side from now on.”

By now, **Wang Oh-Chun** was probably thrilled at the thought of being given such an important position, unaware that the events leading up to it were far from coincidental.

Not to mention, the now-deceased commander had been in the middle of writing a report on the **Ares Guild’s** seemingly passive approach to the battle.

“Make sure to keep a close eye on him. We can’t afford to lose two commanders in a row.”

“Understood.”

Anything could happen on the battlefield.

A commander who wasn’t on good terms with the guild could be torn apart by monsters, while a corrupt general with a love of money might take over as the new commander.

Feeling somewhat more at ease, **Lee Jung-Ryong** spoke again.

“You’ll be busy from tomorrow onwards, so get some rest tonight.”

“Are we to advance swiftly?”

“Yes. The order has been given to sweep up any remaining monsters.”

“A mobile operation, then? Was this order given to all fronts?”

**Lee Jung-Ryong** nodded.

The five fronts, including the northern front, would begin their mobile operations at dawn. Within a few days, they would have trapped the monster legion in a dense encirclement, cutting off their retreat.

“The monsters must’ve lost significant numbers, but they’re still not to be underestimated.”

“What’s the one thing this country is most proud of? Even as we speak, hundreds of transport planes are ferrying hunters across China. Even lower-ranked hunters can serve as cannon fodder.”

**Lee Jung-Ryong** explained in a calm tone, then continued.

“Your focus should be on minimizing the guild’s losses. If something… happens…”

**Lee Jung-Ryong** glanced down at the table with a subtle, dangerous look in his eyes.

“…you may need to patch the hole.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

Though the statement was vague, **Seok Go-Joon** respected **Lee Jung-Ryong** as both a mentor and a father figure. He offered no questions or doubts, only a firm nod.

Suddenly, he realized something.

“What is our final destination?”

Instead of answering, **Lee Jung-Ryong** raised his hand and pointed to a spot on the wall. A map of Sichuan Province hung there.

*Fwoosh!* A gust of wind shot from his fingertip, piercing a section of the map. **Seok Go-Joon’s** eyes followed the direction of the hole and landed on a name.

**Suining City**.

The place where this entire crisis had started. The location of the **Arch-Lich**.

—

Next morning, those who awoke realized they were divided into two groups:

Those who were leaving and those who were staying behind.

Of course, I belonged to the former, while **Team Leader Choi** and **Xiao Shen** were part of the latter.

When the time came for me to leave, the two of them finally regained their senses and began protesting their fates.

“Jin Tae-Kyung, I’m fine!”

“I’m perfectly fine, brother!”

“I can fight!”

“I swear I’ll fight harder than anyone!”

…Was I hearing an echo?

Watching **Team Leader Choi** and **Xiao Shen** shouting with grim expressions, I had no choice but to make a suggestion.

“Hmm. Fine. If you can last 10 minutes against me, I’ll take you with me.”

– *Are you serious? You shameless, heartless human.*

Heartless? Them asking to be dragged into battle when they can barely stand is what’s really heartless.

It’s great that they’re full of fighting spirit, but stepping onto the battlefield in this condition is just asking to die.

‘Besides, what kind of undead cares about morals?’

Shaking my head, I spoke to the two dejected individuals.

“For now, focus on recovering. Once you’ve regained your strength and restored your senses, you might be deployed to the front lines. That goes for you too, Xiao Shen.”

“Hmm.”

“…Fine.”

They still looked a bit reluctant, but they were starting to accept the situation.

The truth is, both of them knew their own physical limits, so they couldn’t push back too hard.

“Well, I’d better get going—ah.”

I had almost forgotten.

Pretending to search through a pocket enchanted with space expansion magic, I retrieved something from my inventory and handed it over.

“Here.”

**Xiao Shen** blinked.

“…Brother?”

“Don’t just stand there, take it. My arm’s going to fall off.”

In a daze, **Xiao Shen** took the item from me and asked, confused.

“What’s this?”

“It’s a gift. Someone entrusted it to me, but I think it suits you better.”

“This incredible sword?”

“What, don’t want it?”

“No! I mean, yes! I mean, can I really accept something like this?”

Gripping the sword, **Xiao Shen** stared in awe at the perfect balance and weight of **Spirit of the Hero**, while a powerful aura flowed from the blade.

Swallowing nervously, he asked, “Are you sure I’m worthy of this?”

“You’ve earned it.”

“Earned it?”

The bravery he displayed in battle, his willingness to sacrifice for others. That was more than enough.

Considering I’ve used spears for so long, this sword would just sit in my inventory and rot. It made more sense to give it to **Xiao Shen**, who was both a fellow Chinese hunter and a member of the **Public Security Forces Hunter Division**.

‘The fact that nothing happened when he grabbed the sword means it recognized him too.’

From inside the inventory, the **Skeleton Warlord** grumbled.

– *I’m good with swords too… I like swords…*

Hm? What did you say?

I couldn’t hear you, coward, after you tried grabbing **Spirit of the Hero** and screamed when it rejected you.

– *Whatever. That cheap sword doesn’t suit someone of my stature anyway!*

Yeah, right. There are people who want it way more than you.

Since it crossed my mind, I glanced over at **Team Leader Choi**.

I had actually debated whether to give **Spirit of the Hero** to **Xiao Shen** or to **Team Leader Choi**. I didn’t want him to feel left out.

But my worries were unnecessary.

“Congratulations, Commander Shen. You’ve obtained a remarkable sword.”

**Team Leader Choi** offered his heartfelt congratulations. Only then did **Xiao Shen** look at the sword, then back at him.

There was a brief moment of hesitation in his eyes before a soft smile spread across his face.

“I don’t think I’m its rightful owner.”

“Hm?”

“**Hunter Choi**, will you accept this sword in my place?”

Well, this was unexpected. But I didn’t mind.

‘This is good.’

Though **Team Leader Choi** politely declined at first, **Xiao Shen** was persistent, his resolve already set.

Watching the two of them pass the sword back and forth, I quietly slipped out of the ward.

Just before the door closed, I heard **Team Leader Choi’s** voice.

“This is the best sword I’ve ever held.”

Good. That’s settled.

I strode forward confidently, passing through the assembled ranks.

As I walked, the hunters around me parted, their eyes filled with admiration.