Chapter 1 - SS Rank Authority
Lee Hwan leaned back in the cushioned chair across from the President of the United Player Association. The room was quiet, but the tension between the two powerful figures was electric.
"So," Lee said casually, sipping from the glass of water, "what's my official rank, according to your system?"
The President smiled awkwardly. "You've been evaluated as SS Rank, Mr. Lee. Only three others in the world hold the same classification."
Lee raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "SS, huh? Not bad. Then I assume I'm allowed to summon high-ranking officials of the UPA when needed?"
The President nodded slowly. "Yes. As an SS-rank Hunter, you're now permitted to exercise emergency summoning rights over our operatives—especially during situations classified as 'world-tier threats' or higher."
"Good." Lee placed the glass down and stood, towering over the President. "Because I came here to report something serious. I want to talk about the assassin who attacked me."
The President's face tensed. "Assassin?"
Lee took a step forward, his expression dark. "Don't play dumb. Yesterday, someone tried to snipe me outside my villa. A high-caliber bullet—military-grade—and it was aura-infused."
"That's—unheard of," the President said. "Only a few countries allow aura-based ammunition."
"Exactly," Lee replied. "And here's the part that will interest you: I tracked the shot back to a mountain peak and responded with a shot of my own. My aura-enhanced bullet destroyed half that mountain."
The President's eyes widened. "You… destroyed half a mountain?"
Lee ignored the reaction and continued, "I later caught the real assassin. He was accompanied by another one in close-range support. I killed them both. But before dying, one of them whispered something: 'Chronos wants balance.'"
The President's fingers tightened around the pen in his hand. "Chronos… you mean the Monarch of Time's vessel?"
Lee nodded. "I'm assuming this wasn't a personal vendetta. This was a warning. And a test."
The President leaned back in his chair, trying to process everything. "Why would Chronos target you?"
"I'm getting too strong," Lee said with a smile. "He's still on the 20th floor, right?"
"Yes," the President admitted. "He's the only one who's ever reached that far. Nobody else has cleared the 13th floor in years."
"Well, tell him I'm on my way."
One Day Earlier
Lee was still in his training room, the air dense with his surging aura. He dropped to the floor and did another set of push-ups, his body barely breaking a sweat despite the immense pressure in the reinforced chamber.
He was thinking.
Thinking about the assassin.
Thinking about who leaked his villa's location.
The next morning, he woke up early. Breakfast was light. Protein-rich. He changed into a simple black outfit and flew directly to the headquarters of the United Player Association, landing on their rooftop like a shadow.
He didn't check in with security.
He didn't need to.
Now, standing before the President, he brought up his last point.
"I want you to investigate everyone who knew my villa's coordinates. Every database entry, every communication node. Someone inside your organization has betrayed you."
The President nodded grimly. "Understood. I'll authorize an immediate scan of our encrypted logs and start a private investigation."
Lee gave a final nod and turned to leave—but paused at the door.
"Oh, and President…"
"Yes?"
Lee smiled faintly. "You said I'm ranked 9th in the world. And you're ranked 56th."
The President stiffened.
Lee continued, voice calm but piercing, "What a disgrace. Asia's top representative isn't even in the top 50. Makes people wonder if the UPA is just a glorified club for weaklings."
Without waiting for a response, he left.
Aftermath
Once back at his villa, Lee activated his True Dragon Eyes. A golden circle enveloped his iris, and runes shimmered in the reflection.
"Show me the thread of fate from that bullet."
A glowing trail appeared in the air, stretching east—towards the ocean.
"Interesting. Whoever sent that assassin isn't from this continent."
Lee narrowed his eyes.
He opened his guild interface. Three disciples stood under his command. Each had been training nonstop.
"Time to bring the Dragon Guild together."
A holographic map opened.
A red dot blinked: an unauthorized gate signature detected… somewhere near Jeju Island.
Lee grinned. "Let's go fishing."