* * *
Not to mention, Jinsoo had sent him a message a few days ago, casually asking how he was doing.
At the time, Doyoung assumed it was just a polite gesture, but now it seemed more like he was unsettled after leaving the government.
“So, he came to change jobs? And with that kind of intel?”
Doyoung had been secretly interested when they crossed paths, thinking Jinsoo would be a good match for Sinjae.
But even Doyoung hadn’t expected things to move this quickly.
“Funny, right? The kid’s bold. He even asked if this much information was enough to secure him a spot.”
“He really said that?”
Doyoung recalled Jinsoo standing at the dungeon entrance, shyly glancing at him while asking for medical supplies.
Despite his unassuming appearance, he clearly had the guts to go after what he wanted.
It made sense—he’d eventually create incredible weapons in the future.
“So, did you take him in?”
“Of course. How could we turn him down with intel like that?”
Well, that would certainly explain why the guild was busy.
“On top of that, a major incident happened yesterday.”
“An incident?”
“Yeah. It was overseas, so we don’t have all the details yet, but a few labs run by the Dungeon Ecology Research Institute were attacked.”
Giwon lowered his voice as if someone might overhear.
“And they’re saying it might have been done by remnants of Antithesis.”
Doyoung’s eyes gleamed at the revelation.
“They’re still deciding whether Sinjae should personally go abroad to investigate.”
“What? Why him?”
Doyoung frowned in disbelief, but Giwon tilted his head, as if puzzled by Doyoung’s reaction.
“He insists he should go. Says it’s the perfect chance to track down Antithesis remnants. Plus, the government requested it.”
Even so, it didn’t make sense for the guild leader to step in personally. Giwon, apparently oblivious, continued nonchalantly.
“According to the intel Kim Jinsoo brought, one of the research labs experimenting illegally on monsters was also attacked.”
“What?”
Now that was unexpected.
Doyoung had always known Sarah was competent, but to go straight for the most effective method like this…
‘I should contact Sarah later. She might have more intel.’
The lab piqued Doyoung’s interest, too.
“Even so, why should the guild leader go? A scouting team should go first.”
“We told him that, but he’s adamant. What can we do?”
“Unbelievable.”
Elite hunters rarely traveled abroad—conflicts with local hunters were a real risk, and such trips required government approval.
But since the government had requested this, it seemed permission had been granted without much fuss.
“When is he leaving?”
If Sinjae decided to go, no one could stop him. The only one who could was Doyoung, but he was stuck at home for now.
Giwon responded promptly, as if he’d been waiting for the question.
“Tonight, as soon as he’s ready.”
“Damn it.”
“That’s why I came today—to ask you to stop him. You’re the only one who can.”
No one else could rein in Sinjae like Doyoung could, and Giwon clearly hoped Doyoung would intervene.
“Wait here. I’ll get ready right now.”
“Sure, sure. Take your time.”
Ignoring the cheeky response, Doyoung shot Giwon a glare before heading to the dressing room. While changing into outdoor clothes, he called Sinjae on his phone.
Of course, Sinjae didn’t pick up—as if he knew why Doyoung was calling.
“Oh, you little—”
“Tsk.” Clicking his tongue, he resumed walking, but it was no use. Of course, it might not just be about avoiding him. With so many things happening, it was possible they were too preoccupied to respond.
However, for Doyoung, who hadn’t seen a certain someone for days and had been ruminating over what Beom Shinje said, this situation was one that could easily lead to other interpretations.
“So, this is how it’s going to be, huh?”
Well, either way, it was only a matter of time before they crossed paths at the guild. Instead of clinging to his unresponsive smartphone, Doyoung finished getting ready quickly.
“Let’s go.”
As soon as he stepped out of the dressing room, he headed straight for the front door, with Yeo Giwon following closely behind. Whether the guild was truly as hectic as it seemed, even Park Chano, who usually guarded the corridor, was nowhere to be seen.
“I’ve already called a taxi to the first floor.”
“Ah, thanks.”
Yeo Giwon pressed the lobby button instead of letting Doyoung head down to the underground parking lot. The elevator descended rapidly, and as it came to a halt, Doyoung was the first to step out.
The two of them got into the waiting taxi and headed to the basement of the guild building. With reporters still swarming the entrance, this was the best option.
“See you later, hyung!”
Once they reached the floor with the guild leader’s office, Yeo Giwon waved cheerfully as if his role was complete. Doyoung gave him a glance before walking directly into the hallway.
“Look into it further and report back.”
“Yes, Guild Leader.”
As Doyoung turned the doorknob, a familiar voice greeted him, followed by the sight of Beom Shinje seated at his desk and Park Chanoh delivering a report across from him.
The first to notice Doyoung was Beom Shinje.
“Doyoung hyung? What on earth are you doing here…?”
“What…”
About to ask if this was some forbidden place, Doyoung froze at the look in Beom Shinje’s eyes.
It was as if…
Doyoung had been certain Beom Shinje would look at him with irritation or disapproval.
But instead, there it was—undeniable warmth and joy shining through Beom Shinje’s gaze. And that wasn’t all.
“You could’ve at least let me know you were coming. Did you come alone? Where’s Yeo Giwon?”
Beom Shinje shot up from his seat and approached Doyoung in an instant, his eyes scanning him all over. Anyone could tell he was checking to see if Doyoung was okay.
“Uh…”
“Hunter Park Chano, what were you doing? How could you let Doyoung hyung come here alone? Didn’t I tell you to send Hunter Yeo Giwon to the apartment?”
As if that wasn’t enough, Beom Shinje turned to scold Park Chano.
“Why are you snapping at him for no reason? I didn’t come alone—Yeo Giwon escorted me to the elevator before heading off to work.”
Unable to watch any longer, Doyoung grabbed Beom Shinje’s arm to stop him. He looked like a startled parent finding their child at their workplace.
‘Good grief.’
Caught off guard by Beom Shinje’s reaction, Doyoung failed to notice how different his gaze and behavior were from usual.
“My apologies, Guild Leader. Hunter Yeo Giwon didn’t inform me directly, so I wasn’t aware. Mr. Secretary, I hope you didn’t face any difficulties coming here. The reporters outside weren’t an issue, were they?”
Park Chanoh’s response was just as baffling. Why were they treating him like a helpless child?
Of course, he had an idea why. He’d been recovering at home for a week, after all.
And in Park Chanoh’s eyes, Doyoung probably seemed like someone fragile who could faint at any moment.
* * *
Humm