The Genius Assassin Who Takes it All

Lars once said something to Jang Si-hwan in the original story.

[Jang Si-hwan, I’m envious and pleased with everything you have, so full of abundance.

If you don’t lose these, I’ll stay by your side, fulfill my desires, and help you.

So don’t lose them. That’s your value and my motivation. Without them, you’re just a corpse.]

Due to his portrayal as a materialistic character, Lars’s public opinion in the original story was quite negative.

From being called a “leech stuck on the protagonist,” to criticisms like “kill Lars already,”

phrases like Lars-dead-answer (“the answer is to kill Lars”) even became a trendy saying.

However, by the end of the story, Lars actively supported and assisted Jang Si-hwan until the very end.

When Jang Si-hwan was in danger in a dungeon, Lars was the first to come to his aid.

Lost in memories of the original story, Lee Ye-rin, who had been silently waiting for Kang-hoo’s response, asked,

-Kang-hoo-ssi?

“Oh. I was just recalling something about the Stark Guild. Is there more I should know?”

-They say Ayane is needed because of the Dive Bombing Eagles, monsters that attack from the air.

“I see what you mean.”

Even without a detailed explanation, hearing the monster’s name and the need for Ayane was enough to guess.

Flying monsters are naturally tricky for Kang-hoo. A skilled sniper would be essential.

-Then, once the dungeon license is secured, I’ll notify you to proceed with the request.

“Sounds good.”

The request coordination was concluded.

By securing the Fallen Series Cuirass through this mission, Kang-hoo would undoubtedly upgrade his specs.

It might enhance the set item’s grade, activate a set skill, or even increase hidden stats or related synergy.

Once the set item is obtained from Germany, the next destination would, without question, be South Africa.

Everything was progressing smoothly.

A while later.

Kang-hoo, who had received the Queen’s Bile, contacted K.

Perhaps not busy at the time, K picked up the call before the first ring finished.

“Got it?”

“Yes. It was delivered perfectly without any damage.”

“I told you not to worry. That courier is top-notch. Over 100 deliveries completed solo, with zero accidents.”

In a world where public safety varied drastically by region, secure deliveries were more challenging than one might think.

That’s why guilds monopolized the transportation business—because of the need for safety.

To send goods from Seoul to Busan, for example, one had to rely on land or air routes.

Air transport was expensive, so roads became the primary option.

But the journey often required passing through multiple territories, each governed by different factions.

Even venturing outside the Gyeonggi Province frequently meant risking violent roadside skirmishes.

In relatively orderly regions like Daejeon, using the roads wasn’t an issue.

However, passing through areas like the Kimcheon Liberation Area or Hongcheon Liberation Area meant risking one’s life.@@novelbin@@

Thus, even a delivery completed without issues in a short time deserved high marks.

“Thank you.”

“I had it purified by a specialist, ensuring zero impurities. It’ll be far more effective than you think.”

“Looking at the vial of bile, I see not even a speck of dust. It’s exceptional.”

“Told you I knew what I was doing. By the way, can I ask you something?”

“Of course.”

“Do you have a mentor?”

A mentor.

If asked, yes and no.

Technically, Kang-hoo didn’t have a mentor in the conventional sense, as he considered himself his own teacher.

If he attached the term mentor to everything he had written, remembered, and experienced in the original story, the concept somewhat fit.

“I don’t.”

“Hypothetically, if I recommended an excellent assassin mentor, would you consider learning from them?”

“Isn’t that up to the mentor rather than me? They wouldn’t know me in advance, after all.”

-Stop nitpicking! Just answer. Are you interested or not?

K’s slightly excited tone hinted at enthusiasm, as if he knew a great candidate he wanted to connect Kang-hoo with.

There was no reason to refuse, of course.

Learning is always valuable. It’s the lack of opportunities, not the desire to learn, that holds one back.

“Yes, I’m interested.”

-Good. Don’t forget you said that.

“Understood.”

-Soon, Hyeong-seo and Bo-hye will visit. Let me know if you secure more Mad Solarkium. I’ll keep updating you on the talisman case.

“Thanks, I appreciate it.”

-We’ll talk again soon.

As the call ended, the word “mentor” lingered in Kang-hoo’s mind.

Who among K’s connections might become his “assassin mentor”?

The original story didn’t delve deeply into K’s network, making it hard to guess.

It was likely someone of similar age or much older, possibly an elder. But who fit that profile?

No clue.

For now, only questions filled his mind.

Still, curiosity grew at the thought of someone worthy of being a mentor that K would recommend.

Who could it be?

Contrary to the forecast that rain would start tomorrow, torrential rain began pouring as soon as Kang-hoo arrived at Pyeongtaek Station.

It was so heavy that visibility was almost zero. Adding to the trouble, strong winds rendered umbrellas completely useless.

Perhaps due to the weather, the streets were deserted. Even cars, which are usually a common sight, passed by only occasionally.

‘Now I understand why Benny left Pyeongtaek and returned to Daejeon.’

Looking at the once-busy commercial district near the station, Kang-hoo could see why Benny had decided to leave.

The pedestrian traffic had significantly decreased.

It wasn’t just the weather; many buildings were left vacant without new occupants.

In a bustling commercial district near a station, the ground floors should typically be occupied, but over 80% of them stood empty.

Moreover, the guild emblems that used to flutter in the wind were now either torn or left faded and neglected.

There was a reason for this.

Recently, Eclipse had driven out all the minor guilds that had been based in the area.

It was puzzling since Pyeongtaek wasn’t a city with much at stake economically or strategically.

But on second thought, it seemed like Eclipse was taking out its frustration after being pushed back by the Cheong-an Mercenary Corps and Heuksaja, and even getting slapped around by Jeon Se-hyuk’s group. Ŗ𝐀𝐍ọΒÊş

Regardless, Kang-hoo continued to maintain his stealth mode as he quickly navigated the roads.

Though his concealed figure became briefly visible in the heavy downpour, not a single passerby seemed to notice. The place was eerily quiet, almost like a ghost town.

After some time.

The address Kang-hoo had received from Jeon Se-hyuk led him to the basement parking lot of an abandoned apartment.

Considering that over 20% of Pyeongtaek was now uninhabited, it wasn’t unusual to find abandoned apartments here.

It was once a place where many people lived before the Hunter Era began.

But now, it seemed as though no trace of the former residents remained, leaving the space devoid of any signs of life.

‘It’s shabby for a meeting spot, but that’s what makes it the perfect hideout.’

Kang-hoo let out a small laugh as the musty smell from the parking lot entrance wafted into his nose.

It was a familiar stench, one he was accustomed to, so it didn’t bother him. In fact, it would have been strange if the smell wasn’t there.

He changed into dry clothes from his waterproof backpack.

He didn’t want to wear wet, clinging clothes in this damp setting any longer.

After changing, Kang-hoo ventured further into the parking lot and was greeted by two familiar faces.

Jeon Se-hyuk and Ban Se-yeong.

Though they had kept in touch, it had been quite some time since they had seen each other in person.

“Oppa, long time no see?”

“You arrived quicker than expected. Was everything alright on the way?”

Ban Se-yeong and Jeon Se-hyuk greeted him one after the other.

Ban Se-yeong’s hair had grown significantly since they last met.

Perhaps conscious of this, she immediately tied her hair back upon seeing Kang-hoo.

A ponytail. It suited Ban Se-yeong’s slender face perfectly.

Jeon Se-hyuk, too, had changed slightly.

Perhaps to conceal the scar revealed when his mask was removed.

He had grown a thick beard that covered the scar running from the corner of his right lip to below his eye.

With his naturally full beard, he looked rather impressive. More importantly, the scar was barely visible.

“Yes, the city is quiet.”

“It’s completely desolate now that the existing guild forces have pulled out. It’s like an empty shell.”

“The beard suits you well. I’ve never managed to grow one, no matter how hard I try…”

Kang-hoo ran his hand over his smooth chin. He wasn’t joking; it was oddly difficult for him to grow facial hair.

While others shaved twice a day, Kang-hoo only needed to shave once a week at most.

And even then, it was more about tidying up the few unsightly strands than actual maintenance.

“For now, let’s put on our masks. We don’t plan to use real names internally.”

“That’s a good idea.”

Kang-hoo nodded.

While he had no reservations with Jeon Se-hyuk and Ban Se-yeong, the rest of Jeon Se-hyuk’s group consisted of people indirectly connected to Kang-hoo.

There was no need to expose unnecessary information.

Of course, a few skills displayed in combat could give things away, but there was a difference between officially revealing information and keeping it under wraps.

“You should choose a nickname. Everyone here goes by one, except for Se-yeong and me.”

“Hmm… ‘Mozo’ sounds fitting as a nickname.”

“As in ‘imitation’? That Mozo?”

“Not exactly. It has a bit of personal history. Just call me MOZO.”

“Understood, Mozo-nim.”

“Got it, Mozo oppa.”

With the nickname settled, introductions were complete.

Mozo.

It was the pseudonym Kang-hoo had used back when he was the original author.

That’s why he had said it was a nickname with a story behind it. Of course, no one in this world would recognize it.

In truth, there likely wouldn’t be much need to call each other by nicknames.

While Kang-hoo would move with Jeon Se-hyuk’s team, his role would ultimately lean toward individual action.

Kang-hoo’s primary goal had always been Go Gyeong-ho. The punishment of Eclipse members came afterward.

This part of the plan had already been discussed and agreed upon with Jeon Se-hyuk.

Following Jeon Se-hyuk’s lead, Kang-hoo headed to a secret space one floor below the parking lot.

It seemed they intended to review the agreed-upon plan before meeting the rest of the team.

Ban Se-yeong quickly brought over mixed coffee from somewhere, creating a warm and relaxed atmosphere for their discussion.

Feeling chilly, the hot coffee immediately helped Kang-hoo relax.

After a sip, Jeon Se-hyuk broke the silence.

“The goal of this operation is simple: we’re going to obliterate the entire Pyeongtaek branch.”

“May I ask why? Up until now, you’ve been doing hit-and-run guerrilla tactics to provoke them.”

“It’s time to draw out the higher-ups. If Kang Dong-hyun doesn’t show himself, we’ll at least flush out his direct subordinates.”

Jeon Se-hyuk pointed to the wall behind Kang-hoo, where photos of all Eclipse executives were pinned.

Each picture was fastened not with tacks or clips, but daggers, giving them symbolic significance.

“It could turn into an all-out war. Are you prepared for that? If Eclipse goes all in, you’ll need to brace for sacrifices.”

Kang-hoo asked subtly, sensing that Jeon Se-hyuk had a plan.

Jeon Se-hyuk wasn’t the type to act recklessly out of mere revenge. He was calculated.

If he was making such a bold move, he must have backing. Was there another force supporting him?

Jeon Se-hyuk’s response came with a mysterious smile and a quiet, confident voice.

“The moment Eclipse makes their move, they’ll be the ones bracing for losses, not us. We have more allies than you think.”

As expected.

Jeon Se-hyuk wasn’t the only one casting a net to catch the big fish that was Eclipse.

At that moment, Kang-hoo thought of potential allies absent in the original story’s depiction of Jeon Se-hyuk.

They were forces more than capable of taking down Eclipse.