The Genius Assassin Who Takes it All

Partnership Agreement.

This refers to an arrangement where both parties are granted the opportunity to “utilize” each other once.

Although formal, the partnership agreement is published on a dedicated page of the Public Safety Bureau’s website.

Currently, with the Bureau’s authority confined to the capital region, it is hard to claim the agreement has substantial binding force or influence.

However, in the event of a violation, the detailed publication of the breach could deal a significant blow to the violator’s reputation.

While the agreement doesn’t enforce compensation or compliance for breaches, it could completely destroy trust in the hunter involved.

For instance:

If Kang-hoo requested and completed a strategy for a dungeon owned or leased by the Groo Guild, he would, in turn, need to participate in a dungeon strategy requested by the Groo Guild.

Of course, the partnership agreement is strictly limited to dungeon strategies and cannot include requests to attack specific factions.

This is because the likelihood of disputes arising within open dungeons is significantly high—a preventative measure to eliminate potential issues.

“This is a win-win deal for me.”

From Kang-hoo’s perspective, it was essentially like visiting the dungeon twice.

He would request a dungeon out of his own necessity, and the other party would guide him for the same reason.

The likely expectation from the Groo Guild was that Kang-hoo would act as a “bleed shuttle” for their plans. This was already anticipated.

Looking at it from any angle, it seemed profitable—so much so that it felt harder to find a reason to refuse.

Although Kang-hoo had already made up his mind, he hesitated slightly before answering, prompting Oh Yu-jin to emphasize further.

“As you know, our guild has maintained a neutral stance, strengthening relationships with foreign guilds over time,” Oh Yu-jin said.

“I’m aware of that,” Kang-hoo replied.

“In particular, we have strong connections with Northern European guilds. I can assure you’ll have opportunities to visit many countries.”

Northern Europe indeed boasted numerous attractive dungeons, each with its own stories and allure.

Furthermore, there were dungeons that could potentially influence Jang Si-hwan and Chae Gwanhyeong through “destiny.”

Many of these dungeons held significant strategic value, making the proposal difficult for Kang-hoo to refuse.

“Fine. How about we start with a one-time contract?” Kang-hoo countered.

Typically, partnership agreements involve a total of two to three engagements.

One engagement often isn’t enough to build trust or avoid the impression of merely “testing the waters.”

Given that partnership agreements inherently carry a foundation of mutual trust, two or three engagements are considered standard.

However, due to his lack of trust in the Groo Guild, Kang-hoo decided to limit the terms to just one engagement.

“That works. Shall we proceed that way?”

“Yes, let’s move forward,” Kang-hoo replied.

“Do you agree to have the partnership posted on the website? It’s a formal procedure, but it can’t proceed without your consent.”

“Of course,” Kang-hoo confirmed.

There was no harm in letting the partnership with the Groo Guild become public knowledge.

The issue wasn’t showing alignment with one particular side but rather maintaining neutrality—and the Groo Guild was perfectly neutral.

With that, the agreement was finalized.

If the Groo Guild had known Kang-hoo could steal skills from mid-bosses or main boss monsters, they might have altered the terms to their advantage.

For Kang-hoo, exploring diverse dungeons was invaluable for growth, making this a welcome proposal.

From the Guild’s perspective, they believed they had secured an opportunity to utilize Kang-hoo as a bleed dealer for one instance.

Kang-hoo had no intention of dispelling their pleasant misconception. It was better to let them remain in their happy illusion.

On their way back to Jeju Island after finalizing the partnership with Kang-hoo, Oh Yu-jin glanced at the contract bearing Kang-hoo’s signature with a satisfied expression. ɌΑƝÓʙЁś

“The beginning is always like this. Over time, we’ll integrate him into our guild. I’m confident. With our connections, he’ll grow more interested.”

Both Oh Hye-jin and Ma Jin-ho shared her sentiment. The current talented hunters in their guild had all joined in the same way.

They were certain Kang-hoo would be enamored by the Groo Guild’s charm.

Should that happen, they envisioned a highly capable assassin thriving under the Groo Guild’s name.

Of course, Kang-hoo himself wasn’t even considering such possibilities, but the trio indulged in their daydreams of receiving such benefits.

Returning to the hotel, Kang-hoo deliberated on which dungeon to request from the Groo Guild.

It was best to make the most of the opportunity, especially since the Groo Guild was skilled enough to make it worthwhile.

Though he still had plans regarding the Abyss Dungeon promised to Lee Hyun-seok, there was no rush for that.

“If I’m heading overseas, it’d be ideal to choose a place that could simultaneously hinder Jang Si-hwan or Chae Gwanhyeong.”

Stealing destiny—this was a recurring thought for Kang-hoo.

While it was impossible to erase the destinies Jang Si-hwan had benefited from through his “protagonist halo,” future encounters could be intercepted.

In Norway, Oslo.

Near Oslo Cathedral, there exists a site with multiple dungeon entrances clustered together.

Centered around the cathedral, thirteen dungeon entrances are arranged in the shape of a cross.

People often referred to this location as the “Holy Dungeon.”

The area surrounding the dungeon had exceptional healing and recovery properties, so much so that a hospital had been built nearby.

This permanent buff was not a baseless rumor but a scientifically and medically proven phenomenon.

In the future, Jang Si-hwan would acquire a useful black magic skill book there, and Chae Gwanhyeong would obtain a first-grade greatsword.

In the original story, “Saint of Salvation” Elizabeth had orchestrated their entry into the dungeon.

Without connections to the Oslo-based “Gratia” Guild or the cathedral, it was impossible to access the dungeon.

Even though Kang-hoo had long been aware of it, he couldn’t consider attempting entry.

Approaching through mercenary groups wasn’t an option either, making access via Lee Ye-rin infeasible.

However, upon entering into a contract with the Groo Guild, an unexpected avenue opened up.

“The problem is, even if I can go, I must have one companion with me.”

All 13 Holy Dungeons have a strict participant limit: a minimum of two people and a maximum of two.

In other words, only two people can enter—neither one nor three participants are allowed.

For this reason, in the original story, Jang Si-hwan took his companion, Chae Gwanhyeong, and they obtained their destinies together.

If Kang-hoo were to go there, he would have to choose someone to accompany him to share the fortune.

“Since the dungeon was originally designed to also boost Chae Gwanhyeong’s power, it’s impossible to monopolize it.”

The opportunities in the dungeon activate individually, making it impossible for one person to take everything for themselves.

Ultimately, Kang-hoo had to choose someone he could trust the most and who seemed likely to stay by his side to share the fortune meaningfully.

Several faces crossed his mind.

The first was Park Dong-jae. He was a competent buffer and had high loyalty towards Kang-hoo.

Next was Jung Yu-ri. Considering her growth trajectory in the original story, she had the highest potential to soar if given the right opportunities.

An Yeong-ho also couldn’t be overlooked, as he already had substantial backing for growth from the Rikou Guild.

Adding a stroke of fortune to that could further enhance his capabilities.

“Or… Takashi?”

In terms of trust, his score was still relatively low.

However, thinking about who would have the most impact upon gaining fortune, Takashi seemed like the right choice.

Of course, he was still affiliated with the Thirteen Stars, and the trust he had built with Kang-hoo wasn’t strong.

Choosing him could inadvertently end up strengthening a member of the Thirteen Stars.

“It’s a matter that requires careful consideration.”

Who could provide the most significant help without betraying him? Kang-hoo couldn’t help but delve deeper into the matter.

What was certain was that he had to cut off the fortune Jang Si-hwan and Chae Gwanhyeong were bound to obtain.

Even if sharing the fortune with another companion turned out to be futile, he had to prevent those two from benefiting.

After wrapping up the meeting with the Groo Guild, Kang-hoo found himself with some free time.

There was still time before he would receive bile from K, and there had been no further contact from Kim Shin-ryeong.

With no predetermined dungeon strategies to tackle, his body felt light, but he had nothing to do.

So, Kang-hoo decided to head toward Suwon Station to visit the Onnuri Guild.

Thanks to the generous bribe he had given Han Seung-hyeok earlier, there was now a possibility of leasing a dungeon license owned by the Onnuri Guild.

When Kang-hoo reached out, Han Seung-hyeok happened to be awake and said he was available to meet immediately.

Without hesitation, Kang-hoo boarded a train heading to Suwon Station.

On the way to Suwon Station,

News about the Jeonghwa Guild played on the station’s display screens.

The report detailed how the Jeonghwa Guild had “reconstructed” after subjugating all criminal forces in Osan.

The Jeonghwa Guild had both crushed and rebuilt the area, attaching grand names like “Reconstruction” and “Key Business Ventures” to the effort.

While it was nauseating, the public response was overwhelmingly positive.

“Should I move to Osan? If the Jeonghwa Guild is directly managing it, security will be solid, right?”

People’s reactions were generally favorable, with high hopes that Osan was finally becoming livable.

With the Jeonghwa Guild now controlling all interests in the Osan area, things would likely turn out as the people hoped.

At least from the perspective of civilians, there was no choice but to welcome the Jeonghwa Guild.

Suddenly, Kang-hoo thought of the Public Safety Bureau.

Currently, the Bureau was so closely tied to the Jeonghwa Guild that people called it their “second battalion.”

However, this partnership did not last until the end in the original story. A rift eventually occurred.

The Public Safety Bureau assassinated Jang Si-hwan, Chae Gwanhyeong, and other key figures in the Jeonghwa Guild.

They attempted to seize the guild’s assets and influence but were caught and suffered retaliation.

In the original story, the Bureau was depicted as more corrupt than demons, making their downfall a moral victory.

But Kang-hoo wondered if they were truly an “unjust” force or if it was worth reconsidering in light of the story’s ending.

Like the White Rose Mercenary Group, which had been falsely accused of terrorism and eradicated by Jang Si-hwan.

It was also possible that the Public Safety Bureau had been given “false charges.”

“If the Public Safety Bureau falls under Jeonghwa Guild control, they could wield official authority. Although their cooperation seems formal for now…”

Comparing the Public Safety Bureau to a passage from Romance of the Three Kingdoms, it resembled the faction that controlled the Han Emperor.

Even if the emperor was merely a puppet, commands issued under his name carried weight. That was precisely what the Bureau had become.

But if the emperor disappeared and they inherited legitimacy, they would, in effect, become the emperor themselves.

“Monster.”

When Kang-hoo thought of Jang Si-hwan, the word “monster” always came to mind.

He recalled a line from a drama: “To catch a monster, you must become a monster even more ruthless.”

How could he dismantle the fortress the Jeonghwa Guild had built so solidly under their name?

Was there no game-changer?

Inside the rattling train, Kang-hoo gripped the dagger in his pocket tightly.

This world, after all, was still a damned place.

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