Chapter 96

The Phoenix Attack Unit.

Its prestige within the Phoenix Guild was beyond imagination.

They weren’t just any attack unit.

While it was natural for them to be the flagship of the Phoenix Guild, as an organization comprised of S-rank or higher Hunters, that wasn’t the real issue.

The support they received from the guild was extraordinary.

Moon Baek-woo, the leader of the Phoenix Attack Unit, possessed special authority.

They could select sub-attack teams for raids without the Guild Master’s approval.

And all spoils from those raids belonged solely to the Phoenix Attack Unit.

Furthermore, they had no obligation to report to the guild, no matter where they went.

Meaning, the guild wouldn’t know if they conducted a secret raid anywhere.

However, if the guild commanded their return via a specially made communicator, they would comply.

Because that meant something extremely important had occurred at the guild level.

But this was the first time such a command had been issued.

The Second Shock.

A terrible situation where the entire world was once again turned upside down.

It was only in such extreme circumstances that the Phoenix Attack Unit would halt their operations and return.

They were given first choice of the guild’s best weapons and materials, and substantial funding was provided.

In essence, the Phoenix Attack Unit operated with the highest possible treatment.

That’s why even the Phoenix Guild had no complaints.

That was precisely what made Song Sang-woo frown.

He admitted that Kang Yuseong held an excellent hand.

But to expect the same treatment as the Phoenix Attack Unit…

‘Hmm…’

However, on second thought, Kang Yuseong might not even need an organization like the Phoenix Guild anymore.

With Star Pharmaceuticals backing him, he could even pursue an alliance with the top-ranked Immortal Guild.

“But tell me, I have one question.”

Song Sang-woo, who had been deep in thought, suddenly asked.

Kang Yuseong looked at him again.

“Why us? With Star Pharmaceuticals behind you, whether it’s the Immortal Guild or the Hwarang Guild… you could have whatever you want.”

Kang Yuseong offered a faint smile at his words.

The words that followed completely shattered Song Sang-woo’s expression.

“Because the Phoenix Guild isn’t complete yet. I want to complete this guild.”

Arrogant.

And rude.

Song Sang-woo’s eyebrows twitched violently.

Even the men behind him, seemingly unable to tolerate those words, glared at Kang Yuseong, radiating killing intent.

Despite this, Kang Yuseong remained perfectly calm.

“I only want one thing. A special unit that receives the same treatment as the Phoenix Attack Unit. That’s all it takes, so I don’t understand why this conversation is dragging on.”

At Kang Yuseong’s words, Song Sang-woo frowned intensely once more.

“You… are quite arrogant.”

Kang Yuseong smirked.

“I’ll promise you one thing. We will never lose to the Phoenix Attack Unit.”

At those words, Baek Myeong-han, who was beside him, flinched.

In truth, Baek Myeong-han knew better than anyone the true level of their attack unit.

And that comparing them to the Phoenix Attack Unit was, in itself, an insult to the Phoenix Attack Unit.

No matter how many hardships they had endured, he knew all too well that they could never stand against the Phoenix Attack Unit, who were elites from birth.

But why was Kang Yuseong…

At that moment, the smile on Kang Yuseong’s lips deepened.

“No, rather, you should be worried about the Phoenix Attack Unit. Because they will clearly see what happens to the prestige of the guild’s number one attack unit.”

Song Sang-woo stared silently at him.

After a long moment, he opened his mouth.

“I accept your guild membership.”

At those words, the men standing by the entrance frowned intensely.

But Song Sang-woo immediately continued.

“However.”

He looked at Kang Yuseong with a piercing gaze and spoke softly.

“You will have to take responsibility for the words you’ve uttered. I’ll accept your team as the 26th Attack Unit. Prove yourselves there.”

“The 26th Attack Unit, huh…”

Kang Yuseong chuckled.

“Then let’s raise the stakes. If I prove myself…”

Kang Yuseong’s eyes suddenly blazed with intense light.

“Give me the position of Vice Guild Master of the Phoenix Guild.”

“…!”

Song Sang-woo’s eyes widened.

Kang Yuseong continued, observing his reaction.

“Wouldn’t that make the bet more interesting?”

Unable to tolerate his relaxed demeanor, a man stepped forward from behind.

“Master, you don’t need to listen to him anymore! Who does this guy think he is, here of all places!”

Kang Yuseong spoke softly at that moment.

“I am.”

At the immense pressure emanating from his entire body, the man who had stepped forward, and even Song Sang-woo, flinched.

“…speaking with the Master of the Phoenix Guild. If you’re not qualified, don’t interfere.”

It was truly a terrifying presence.

The Phoenix Guild members present, witnessing Kang Yuseong’s true nature after only seeing him smile, trembled, clenching their fists.

They realized he was not someone they could contend with.

Song Sang-woo nodded silently.

“Alright, I accept that proposal.”

“Master!”

The Vice Guild Master of the Phoenix Guild.

That position held almost the same authority as the Guild Master.

And that position was currently held by Moon Baek-woo, the leader of the Phoenix Attack Unit.

Kang Yuseong’s words were nothing less than a public declaration of war, stating he would defeat the Phoenix Attack Unit.

Another man stepped forward, but Song Sang-woo raised a hand to stop him.

His eyes, as he looked at Kang Yuseong, still emitted a sharp light, just as they had at first. It was indeed the gaze of a seasoned Master.

“He must be that confident. I permit it.”

It was a situation that deeply wounded the pride of a guild master, and one where he had to endure Kang Yuseong’s arrogance, but Song Sang-woo ultimately accepted Kang Yuseong’s proposal.

Such was the immense prestige of Star Pharmaceuticals, and the Phoenix Guild’s assessment was that with Star Pharmaceuticals backing them, their growth rate could become terrifying.

Kang Yuseong watched Song Sang-woo and nodded inwardly.

‘As expected… a cunning old fox.’

Gaining a significant advantage by bowing his head just once.

That’s not something just anyone can do.

Because in most cases, people ruin things due to immediate pride.

Kang Yuseong held Song Sang-woo in high regard precisely because he was capable of doing that.

In truth, when Moon Baek-woo first came to find him, he had only intended to gauge the atmosphere.

Because there were also massive guilds like the Immortal Guild, Taebaek, and Iron Guild.

But Kang Yuseong had changed his mind about the Phoenix Guild in the meantime.

Kang Yuseong hadn’t chosen the Phoenix Guild solely because of the Second Shock.

There were several reasons for choosing the Phoenix Guild, and one of them was the presence of a Master like Song Sang-woo.

The chaotic era that would unfold after the Second Shock.

Because such a person was needed in that chaotic era.

He had sensed it during their last meeting, and now he was certain.

When the chaotic era arrived, Song Sang-woo would truly show his worth.

For the results of his flexibility would be beyond imagination.

‘Well, anyway…’

For now, the next objective was set.

Defeat the Phoenix Attack Unit of the Phoenix Guild.

‘Moon Baek-woo…’

Kang Yuseong recalled the young Hunter who had sought him out last time and smiled faintly.

He seemed like a good person, but to fully claim the Phoenix Guild, he had to defeat him.

Song Sang-woo approved the guild membership for the attack unit led by Kang Yuseong, and thereafter, things proceeded smoothly.

As they left the Phoenix Guild, Baek Myeong-han spoke with a dazed expression.

“My goodness… Is this real? We’re joining the Phoenix Guild!”

For him, it must have been a truly shocking event.

To have been stuck in a perpetually low-ranked guild, only to suddenly join such a large guild…

Kang Yuseong chuckled, watching him pinch his cheek.

“We’ll have to do well from now on. You heard earlier, didn’t you? We now have to fight the Phoenix Attack Unit.”

Baek Myeong-han’s brightened expression instantly darkened.

“Ah, yes, that’s right.”

He grimaced and then spoke.

“But why did you do that? The Phoenix Attack Unit is the top attack unit, comparable even to the Immortal Guild’s Eternity Attack Unit…”

“Are you not confident?”

“No, well… frankly, wouldn’t it be stranger to be confident? They’re the best attack unit in the country… no matter what…”

Kang Yuseong patted his shoulder and said.

“The best is always destined to change. Ah, well, that aside, shouldn’t we decide on an attack unit name now? The 26th Attack Unit… doesn’t that sound a bit plain?”

Baek Myeong-han chuckled, watching Kang Yuseong ponder the attack unit name without an ounce of tension.

Then he shook his head and said.

“Honestly, I can never quite figure you out, Captain. Aren’t you nervous? You do realize what incredible things you just said in front of the Phoenix Guild Master, don’t you?”

Kang Yuseong laughed silently, then suddenly said.

“How about Stardust?”

Stardust.

It was a word meaning fatal charm, or a small star cluster.

Baek Myeong-han wore a defeated expression.

“You’re not even listening to me. Sigh…”

Then he suddenly looked up at the sky.

Night had fallen, and countless stars had appeared in the night sky.

After the Mega Shock, smog had drastically reduced, making it pleasant to see such star clusters even in Seoul.

He murmured to himself as he looked at them.

“Stardust. It’s truly a fitting name for you, Captain. I approve.”

A man with fatal allure.

A man with immense power, like those pouring star clusters.

And a man who shines alone even in this darkness.

Baek Myeong-han thought those star clusters suited Kang Yuseong very well.

Kang Yuseong also walked beside him, smiling as he looked up at the sky.

The Stardust Attack Unit.

In the past, the legendary attack unit led by Kang Yuseong.

That name was reborn tonight, on a night when stars seemed to pour down.

* * * * *

“What, what did you say!”

“Gasp, th-that can’t be!”

“That’s impossible… We’re joining the Phoenix… Guild!”

Kang Yuseong announced their joining of the Phoenix Guild to the Hunters who had returned after delivering Healing Potions to various guilds. It was, of course, entirely natural for the entire attack unit to be completely flabbergasted.

They, too, were no different from Baek Myeong-han.

They were individuals who had barely been accepted into third-rate guilds, suffered indignities even in those, and had then sought their own path as mercenary Hunters.

Wasn’t it precisely then that they had met Kang Yuseong?

But now, Kang Yuseong had returned with truly astonishing news.

“We’ve received approval from the Phoenix Guild Master, and we’ll be officially assigned as the 26th Attack Unit. And one more thing.”

The excited Hunters looked at Kang Yuseong.

Kang Yuseong smirked, looking at them.

At that sight, Baek Myeong-han, standing beside him, let out a long sigh.

“As a condition for joining the guild, we’ve agreed to defeat the Phoenix Guild’s number one attack unit, the Phoenix Attack Unit.”

“Huh…?”

“What… did you just… say? I must have misheard…”

“You said you’d defeat what…”

A moment of silence fell.

Kang Yuseong, a smile on his face, declared energetically.

“We will defeat the Phoenix Attack Unit and rise to become the Phoenix Guild’s number one attack unit in one swift move. That is our task from now on.”

Unlike the vibrant Kang Yuseong, the color was rapidly draining from the faces of the attack unit members.

Indeed, it couldn’t have been ordinary.

Kang Yuseong.

Ever since they joined this man, they had constantly found themselves in such dynamic situations.

They could only stare at Kang Yuseong with blank expressions.