Chapter 248: S-Rank Gate Expedition

Chapter 248: Chapter 248: S-Rank Gate Expedition

The following morning, Ares made his way toward the location of the S-Rank Gate.

The expedition had been scheduled well in advance, and the surrounding area had already been placed under strict security measures to accommodate the large number of Awakeners participating in the operation. Several roads leading toward the site had been closed to ordinary traffic, while Association personnel and security teams maintained order around the designated assembly area.

When Ares finally arrived, his gaze settled on the enormous Gate standing beyond the security perimeter.

It was an imposing sight, its surface resembling a vast, swirling expanse of blue energy that distorted the air around it. However, unlike the lighter blue Gates that people were accustomed to seeing, the color of this one was considerably deeper, almost resembling the dark blue of the ocean beneath the night sky. Dense mana radiated from its surface, spreading throughout the surrounding area with a pressure that even experienced Awakeners could hardly ignore.

Ares studied it briefly before walking toward the assembly area.

’Compared to the Seoul S-Rank Gate, which contained four Calamity-Class bosses, this one appears to have only a single boss. The composition of the monsters inside is unusual as well, considering that most of them are reportedly A-Rank at most.’

He continued observing the Gate as he approached the gathering point, where numerous groups of Awakeners had already assembled. Some were checking their weapons and equipment, while others discussed their assigned positions with their teammates. Several individuals wore the uniforms of prominent guilds, making their affiliations immediately recognizable, while independent Awakeners gathered in smaller groups nearby.

Despite the number of people present, the atmosphere remained tense. Everyone understood that an S-Rank Gate was not something that could be treated lightly, regardless of how reassuring the preliminary reports might have seemed.

As Ares continued walking, a familiar figure approached him from the direction of the Association’s command area.

It was Director Han Seung-ho.

"Mr. Yoon Tae-ho!"

The director’s expression brightened when he recognized Ares, and he quickly approached to greet him.

Ares returned the greeting with a calm nod.

"Good morning, Director Han."

"I see you’ve arrived safely. I was beginning to wonder whether you would come directly to the assembly area or contact us first."

"The expedition was scheduled to begin today, so I came straight here. Did I arrive late?"

"Not at all. In fact, you’ve arrived at just the right time. We still have a few preparations to complete before the expedition officially begins."

"I see. Then I haven’t missed anything important."

"Certainly not."

Han Seung-ho was about to explain the remaining arrangements when two more people approached them.

One was a man with a composed expression and an imposing presence, while the other was a beautiful woman whose confident bearing made it clear that she was accustomed to commanding the attention of those around her.

"Director Han," the man greeted him.

"Guild Master Kang. Guild Master Yoon."

Han Seung-ho acknowledged them before turning toward Ares.

The woman, however, was already studying the unfamiliar man standing beside the director.

"Hmm, have we met somewhere before?" Yoon Ha-eun murmured, narrowing her eyes slightly as she examined Ares’s face. "I feel as though I’ve seen you somewhere, but I can’t quite remember where."

Ares glanced at her briefly but offered no particular reaction.

The director noticed her expression and decided to make the introductions.

"Allow me to introduce you. This is Mr. Yoon Tae-ho, Mr. Tae-ho, these two are among the most prominent figures in South Korea’s Awakener community. This is Kang Ji-hoon, the Guild Master of the Apex Guild, and this is Yoon Ha-eun, the Guild Master of the Horizon Guild."

Ares nodded politely.

"It’s a pleasure to meet you both. My name is Yoon Tae-ho."

Kang Ji-hoon returned the greeting, while Yoon Ha-eun continued looking at Ares with a thoughtful expression.

"Yoon Tae-ho? Yoon Ha-eun?" Kang Ji-hoon repeated, glancing between the two of them. "Are you two related somehow? You share the same surname, after all."

Ares paused briefly before letting out an awkward laugh.

"I’m afraid I wouldn’t know. I’ve never heard of any relation between us."

"Is that so? What a coincidence."

Kang Ji-hoon shrugged, seemingly satisfied with the answer, although Yoon Ha-eun still appeared to be trying to remember where she had seen Ares before.

Han Seung-ho cleared his throat, drawing their attention back to him.

"There’s something else you should know about Mr. Tae-ho. He was recently evaluated and officially recognized as an S-Rank Awakener."

For a moment, neither guild master responded.

Then Kang Ji-hoon’s eyes widened.

"W-What? He’s an S-Rank Awakener?"

Yoon Ha-eun’s expression changed as well, her earlier curiosity giving way to genuine surprise.

"Wait a moment. You’re saying he’s already been officially recognized as an S-Rank? I’ve never heard anything about another S-Rank Awakener being appointed recently."

"That’s because the evaluation and subsequent arrangements were handled privately," Han Seung-ho explained. "The Association has its reasons for keeping certain matters confidential until the appropriate time."

Kang Ji-hoon looked at Ares with renewed interest.

’So this is the person the director was talking about. He certainly doesn’t look particularly imposing, but appearances can be deceiving.’

Yoon Ha-eun, meanwhile, seemed even more intrigued.

"Director Han, what kind of abilities does he possess? If he’s been recognized as an S-Rank Awakener, surely the Association has already assessed his capabilities."

Han Seung-ho shook his head.

"His abilities are rather unusual, and I haven’t had the opportunity to examine the full extent of his strength. All I can tell you is that Mr. Tae-ho possesses several capabilities that are difficult to categorize, and his combat performance has already demonstrated that he is deserving of his rank."

"Several capabilities?" Kang Ji-hoon repeated.

Before the conversation could continue, the director glanced toward the assembly area, where Association personnel were beginning to organize the Awakeners into their designated groups.

"I’ll explain the details later. It appears that we’re about to begin the final preparations, and I still have a few matters to attend to."

He turned toward Ares.

"Mr. Tae-ho, please wait here with the two guild masters for a little while. I’ll return as soon as everything is ready."

"Of course."

Han Seung-ho nodded before leaving to attend to his responsibilities.

As soon as he was gone, Kang Ji-hoon turned his attention toward Ares, his expression becoming considerably more enthusiastic.

"Mr. Tae-ho, may I ask whether you’re currently affiliated with any guild?"

"No, I’m not."

"Then would you consider joining one?"

Kang Ji-hoon asked without hesitation, clearly unwilling to miss an opportunity of this magnitude.

"The Apex Guild can offer you excellent resources, access to high-ranking dungeon expeditions, and a substantial financial package. As one of the leading guilds in South Korea, we have the facilities and personnel necessary to support an S-Rank Awakener, and I’m confident we could provide you with an environment where you can develop your abilities without unnecessary restrictions."

Yoon Ha-eun immediately turned toward him.

"Guild Master Kang, you’re being rather presumptuous. Mr. Tae-ho has only just arrived, and you’re already trying to recruit him before we’ve even begun the expedition?"

Kang Ji-hoon frowned slightly.

"There’s nothing wrong with making an offer, is there? Besides, if we wait until the expedition ends, every other guild in the country will probably be trying to recruit him."

"Which is precisely why you shouldn’t assume that your guild is automatically the best choice," Yoon Ha-eun retorted, turning toward Ares with a confident smile. "Mr. Tae-ho, the Horizon Guild would be delighted to have someone of your caliber join us. We can offer you an excellent compensation package, access to our specialized training facilities, and considerably more freedom in choosing which missions you participate in. If you value independence as much as I suspect you do, I believe our guild would be a much better fit for you."

"That’s a bold claim, Guild Master Yoon," Kang Ji-hoon said, raising an eyebrow. "The Apex Guild has its own advantages, and our financial offer would be difficult for most organizations to match."

"Then perhaps you should consider making a better offer instead of boasting about what you already have."

"Are you seriously trying to turn this into a bidding contest?"

"I’m simply making sure Mr. Tae-ho understands all his options."

Ares watched the two guild masters exchange increasingly competitive remarks, his expression remaining composed despite the fact that he had become the subject of their dispute.

’They certainly didn’t waste any time.’

Neither Kang Ji-hoon nor Yoon Ha-eun seemed particularly interested in backing down, although their disagreement was less a matter of personal hostility than an attempt to persuade Ares that their respective guilds could offer him more than their competitors.

Before either of them could continue, a deep voice interrupted their conversation.

"Well, well. I leave for a few minutes, and the two of you are already fighting over someone?"