* * *

7 PM. The Chunho Guild’s event finally began.

Instead of an opening speech or congratulatory performance, the event started with a promotional video showcasing the guild’s achievements.

‘As expected.’

While posting real-time photos and videos to the official SNS account, Doyoung checked the responses, which were overwhelmingly positive.

-> Am I dreaming? Is this really Chunho’s official event? 😭😭

->> Right?! What is this sorcery??? Did they finally get a PR team???

->>> OMG, this is insane. A super hot guild leader and badass hunters? Why have they been hiding this awesomeness until now?! So unfair!!

Within moments, the post garnered explosive likes and comments, with the content being shared widely.

The photo that set SNS ablaze was of Beom Sinje, standing beside the CEO of ATE Pharmaceuticals, signing the MOU.

‘The protagonist excels at everything, as expected.’

Reading the flood of praise for Beom Sinje, a satisfied smile crept onto Doyoung’s face.

How could someone look so stunning in a suit and photograph so well?

He congratulated himself for insisting on the custom-tailored suit.

Just then, the guild members’ smartwatches buzzed noisily in unison.

<3 km ahead, dungeon detected. Estimated rank: A. Chunho Guild, emergency dispatch requested.>

◇◆◇◆◇

They say summer typhoons often come in pairs—when one forms, another tropical depression nearby usually follows.

Dungeons are no different.

A large-scale dungeon means another, similar one is likely to appear soon.

Unfortunately, today seemed to be one of those days.

But the news of the dungeon wasn’t the most shocking part.

“The Guild Leader wants to go in person?”

Beom Sinje had declared he would personally inspect the situation.

Given it was a dungeon in the middle of the city, his concern as a guild leader was understandable.

“What about the event?”

The problem was the current situation.

With so many guests still present, the idea of the Guild Leader leaving was out of the question.

“I have to go.”

But Beom Sinje was adamant, leaving the guild members in a difficult position.

Crossing his arms, Doyoung observed the situation and recalled the original storyline.

‘This is the start of Episode 19.’

From this point, the transformation of the Haengbok-ri Dungeon marks the onset of strange phenomena worldwide.

The dungeon occurring in the city would escalate to an S-rank, drawing even greater attention.

‘This is happening earlier than expected.’

That part was what bothered Doyoung.

“Guild Leader, I’ll inspect the site and report back. You can head there after the event.”

Yeo Giwon made a suggestion, understanding that Beom Sinje wouldn’t simply be told to stay put.

His proposal was a compromise.

Beom Sinje didn’t seem pleased, but Jang Ji-hye quickly chimed in.

“He’s right, Guild Leader. Leaving now would be disrespectful. Government officials and hunters from ATE Pharmaceuticals are here too.”

Hearing this, Yeo Giwon’s eyes sparkled with a new idea.

“If it’s such a concern, why not have Secretary Na go instead?”

“What?”

Beom Sinje shot a sharp look, but Yeo Giwon didn’t back down.

“In situations like this, isn’t it the secretary’s role to act on behalf of the Guild Leader? He can inspect the site and report back. Right?”

It wasn’t really a secretary’s job, but Doyoung silently accepted it, recognizing it was better than Beom Sinje leaving the event.

“Don’t say something so ridiculous.”

“Why not?”

“How can we send you to the field?”

Hearing that, Yeo Giwon made a face as if he couldn’t believe what he was hearing.

“Come on, I might act a bit delicate, but I’m still a hunter, aren’t I? You’ve got nothing to worry about. They’re just asking me to report on the situation at the entrance. What’s the big deal?”

What the hell was this guy talking about?

Doyoung glared at Yeo Giwon, but he just grinned and turned back to Beom Sinje, continuing the conversation.

“I’ll make sure to send him back right after the report is done. It’s better than the guild leader ruining an important event, don’t you think?”

As he spoke, Yeo Giwon gestured with his chin toward a table where representatives from ATE Pharmaceuticals and the government were seated.

They, too, seemed to have sensed the tension and were glancing their way.

“Let’s go with that, Guild Leader.”

At this point, Doyoung decided it was time to step in.

“Hyung.”

“Guild Leader, as Team Leader Yeo Giwon suggested, we’ll confirm the situation and contact you. Please focus on ensuring the event concludes smoothly before you head out.”

Beom Sinje’s brow twitched at the respectful tone, clearly displeased but aware that now wasn’t the time for him to intervene personally.

“Let’s get moving! If we delay any further, we’re just going to get all the blame again.”

Yeo Giwon lightly tapped Doyoung’s arm and turned to leave.

The other hunters selected for the advance team followed after him.

Doyoung looked back at Beom Sinje, who still wore an expression that screamed he didn’t like any of this.

“Why does he insist on going there?”

“Why else? Because the Guild Leader thinks he has to see the situation on-site.”

“But why does he have to take on something that’s clearly my job—”

“Isn’t that exactly why I’m sitting in this position? Or am I wrong?”

Yeo Giwon’s gaze, daring Beom Sinje to explain if there was some other reason he was there, left the guild leader sighing deeply.

“You’re impossible…”

Even though Yeo Giwon clearly understood his intent, he played dumb like this.

Beom Sinje knew he couldn’t win against Doyoung.

Then again, when had he ever been able to handle him easily?

“What did I do?”

“Never mind. Just stay quietly at the entrance and call if anything happens.”

“I will.”

Not that he had any intention of going inside anyway.

What Doyoung needed was an understanding of the situation outside.

After receiving a few more nagging reminders from Beom Sinje, Doyoung finally joined the advance team.

In his hand was a polycarbonate case that had been handed to him by the doctor before the event.

It was intended to be distributed to the guild members before entering the dungeon.

‘It wouldn’t hurt to give one to the government-affiliated hunters dispatched to the field as well.’

* * *