After the comment given by Hunter Sung Jin-Woo, the whole environment of the conference changed to one of complete unease and tension.
It was a direct threat from Hunter Sung Jin-Woo to all hunters in the world.
A single hunter threatening the entire world's hunters was something they wouldn't have imagined could ever happen—but they were absolutely witnesses to it.
'Guess he's not just a hunter anymore,' Cha Min-Jae thought as the conference ended and everyone started walking out of the conference room one by one. Sung Jin-Woo and Cha Min-Jae walked side by side toward the entrance.
"You made quite the statement there. You meant every word of it, right?" Min-Jae asked.
"I do," Sung Jin-Woo responded simply.
"I see," Min-Jae replied. "Though, what's coming in the future, I'd doubt making enemies is a good thing. But you're the Shadow Monarch, so I guess it's normal for you."
Sung Jin-Woo glanced at him. "If they come after my family, they're not enemies—they're targets."
Min-Jae smirked slightly. "Fair enough."
They walked out through the entrance of the conference room and went their separate ways.
---
Half an Hour Later
Cha Hae-In lingered near one of the lounges, swapping stories with a few familiar hunters from past events. Their talk flowed easily, touching on recent raids and shifting gate patterns.
Min-Jae stood nearby, hands in his pockets, scanning the crowd with a relaxed gaze.
A tall figure approached, his long black hair tied back in a ponytail, loose strands framing his face. His dark yellow eyes held a sharp, steady focus, and he moved with smooth, unhurried confidence, his black coat draped over a red shirt and neatly tied black tie.
Liu Zhigang.
Anna Mitchell stepped forward. "Hunter Cha Min-Jae—"
"It's fine," Min-Jae said quietly, waving her back.
Liu stopped a comfortable distance away, his eyes locking onto Min-Jae's with a calm nod. He spoke in Chinese, his voice even and warm. "You handled those giants in Japan well. Made it look effortless."
Min-Jae replied in fluent Chinese, his tone steady. "Thanks. They weren't much trouble."
Liu's lips curved slightly, a glint in his eyes as he tilted his head. "I faced one myself when it crossed into our waters. Stubborn in the waves, but nothing I couldn't manage." He crossed his arms loosely, his stance easy. "Seeing you take down dozens like that... it's impressive."
He uncrossed his arms, extending his hand with a firm grip. "It's been a pleasure meeting you, Cha Min-Jae. I hope we get the chance to work together in the future—maybe on something bigger."
Min-Jae shook his hand, meeting Liu's gaze. "Likewise. Sounds promising."
Liu nodded, a subtle satisfaction in his expression, then turned and walked off, his entourage trailing quietly.
Anna approached Min-Jae, looking impressed. "He seemed genuinely interested. You two clicked fast."
"I know a few languages," Min-Jae replied casually, glancing after Liu with a trace of respect.
---
Min-Jae walked back over to Cha Hae-In, who was wrapping up her conversation with the other hunters.
"I'll be back soon," he said.
She glanced at him. "Where are you going?"
"Just walking around. Won't be long."
"Alright. Don't get into trouble."
"I'll try."
He turned and walked off, hands in his pockets, weaving through the crowd.
---
He hadn't walked far when a familiar voice called out.
"Well, well. Look who decided to show up."
Min-Jae stopped and turned. Standing a few feet away, arms crossed and smirking, was Camille Moreau.
She looked sharp—platinum blonde hair styled in loose waves, wearing a tailored cream blazer over a black turtleneck, paired with high-waisted trousers and heels. Everything about her screamed expensive and deliberate.
"Wow," Min-Jae said. "I didn't think I'd recognize anyone here."
Camille walked over, her heels clicking against the floor. "Miss me?"
"Not particularly."
She laughed. "Still charming, I see."
They stood there for a moment, the noise of the conference hall buzzing around them.
"So," Camille said, tilting her head. "How are you finding this whole thing? Exciting? Enlightening?"
"Boring, mostly."
She grinned. "Thought so. You looked like you were about to fall asleep during that presentation."
"I was."
"Can't blame you. That old scientist guy went on forever." She glanced around. "You heading out?"
"Yeah. Can't stand being in there much longer."
"Good. Let's go somewhere."
Min-Jae raised an eyebrow. "Somewhere? Where?"
"Anywhere that's not here." She gestured vaguely. "You can go by yourself if you want, but I figured we could both use the escape."
"You're not supposed to stay with your delegation?"
"Probably. But they're boring too." She smirked. "Come on. What's the worst that could happen?"
Min-Jae sighed. "Fine. Let's go."
---
They walked out of the conference hall together, stepping into the cooler air outside. The city stretched out around them, bustling and alive.
"So," Camille said as they walked, "what do you usually do when you're bored?"
"Sleep. Play games. Train."
"Thrilling."
"What about you?"
"Shop. Eat. Make money." She grinned. "Not in that order."
"Figures."
They turned a corner, heading toward a quieter street lined with cafes and boutiques.
"You know," Camille said after a moment, "you could make a lot more money if you actually cared."
"I have enough."
"That's what people say before they realize they don't." She glanced at him. "You're sitting on a goldmine. Sponsorships, endorsements, appearances. You could be making millions."
"I don't care about millions."
"Everyone cares about millions."
"Not me."
She studied him for a moment, then smiled. "You're either the most honest person I've met or the most naive."
"Probably both."
She laughed.
They walked in comfortable silence for a bit, the city noise filling the gaps.
"By the way," Camille said, pulling out her phone, "give me your number."
Min-Jae hesitated.
"Come on," she said. "I'm not going to spam you. Just... you know, in case."
"In case what?"
"In case I need to call in a favor. Or send you memes."
"Memes?"
"Yeah. You look like you need more humor in your life."
Min-Jae sighed and reluctantly gave her his number.
"Perfect." She saved it, then gave him a mock salute. "Catch you later, Hunter Min-Jae."
"Yeah. Later."
She walked off, and Min-Jae stood there for a moment, shaking his head.
'I'm going to regret that,' he thought.
Then he turned and headed back toward where Cha Hae-In was waiting.