Solo Leveling : Fire

Chapter 19

In his office, Choi Jong-In sat at his desk, his pen gliding across the paper as he reviewed the latest reports on dungeon activity. His office, located at the highest floor of the Dragon Knight Guild building, was spacious yet minimalistic. The room was dimly lit, the soft glow of a desk lamp casting shadows across the wooden surface. Outside, the cityscape stretched endlessly beneath the evening sky, but his focus remained on the documents before him.

Suddenly, the sound of the door creaking open broke the silence. Choi looked up to see Gu Gun-Hee, the President of the Korean Hunters Association, standing at the entrance. Despite his age, Gu Gun-Hee carried himself with a dignified presence, his sharp eyes scanning the room before he stepped inside.

"Sorry to suddenly visit without any prior notice," Gu Gun-Hee said, his deep voice carrying a tone of urgency.

Choi immediately stood from his seat, offering a polite smile. "No need to apologize, Chairman. Please, have a seat."

Choi guided him to the small table in the center of the room, where a pot of freshly brewed tea was already prepared. As they settled into their seats, the two exchanged brief pleasantries, discussing the state of the Hunters Association and the latest developments in dungeon activity.

After a few moments, Gu Gun-Hee's expression turned serious. "Now, I'll tell you why I'm here."

He reached into his coat and pulled out a thick folder before sliding it across the table toward Choi. Without hesitation, Choi picked it up and flipped through the pages, his sharp gaze absorbing the contents.

The documents detailed the situation on Jeju Island, which had long been overrun by the monstrous ant colony. Choi's fingers halted on a particular image—a washed-up ant carcass on the shore. But this one was different. Unlike the previous reports of the ant monsters, this one had wings.

His expression darkened. "So they've evolved."

Gu Gun-Hee nodded grimly. "Yes, it seems so. This is why Japan is planning to take the lead in clearing the dungeon."

Choi leaned back, fingers tapping lightly against the table as he processed the information. The Jeju Island Raid had already cost Korea too many lives. If the ants had evolved, the situation was bound to escalate beyond what anyone had anticipated.

After a brief silence, he finally spoke. "How about I go and observe their movements first before we commit to any full-scale support?"

Gu Gun-Hee looked at him in surprise. "Are you sure?"

Choi nodded confidently. "Yes. If these ants have evolved, we need to know their capabilities before making any rash decisions. But I won't engage in any combat—this will strictly be reconnaissance. I won't take my dragon with me, either. Ignel's presence would only alert the creatures. Just provide me with a helicopter, and I'll take care of the rest."

The chairman considered his words before sighing. "Alright. That can be arranged. But be careful, Choi. Even if it's just reconnaissance, Jeju Island is still an S-rank disaster zone."

Choi smirked. "I know my limits."

Gu Gun-Hee let out a short chuckle, though the concern in his eyes remained. "Very well. I'll have everything prepared. The helicopter will be ready within the hour."

With their discussion concluded, the two men rose from their seats and made their way down the hall. As they ascended to the rooftop, the rhythmic sound of rotor blades echoed in the air, announcing the arrival of the helicopter. A team of Association operatives stood by, ensuring all preparations were in order.

Choi took a deep breath, gazing at the sleek black aircraft before turning to Gu Gun-Hee one last time. "It seems my ride is here."

Gu Gun-Hee gave him a firm nod. "Stay safe."

With that, Choi stepped forward and climbed into the helicopter. As the doors closed behind him, the aircraft lifted off, rising steadily into the sky. His eyes remained fixed on the horizon, his mind already calculating the possibilities that lay ahead.

The storm was coming.

And he intended to be ready for it.

Chapter End.