Murim Login - Chapter 731

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————

Chapter 731
Tap.
A lustrous shoe pressed against the carpet beneath my feet.
In the next moment, finally facing the figure who had turned around, I found myself thinking.
‘Like a raven.’
Dressed entirely in black from head to toe, he resembled a European gentleman who had stepped out of somewhere around the nineteenth century.
An immaculate suit without a single wrinkle, a coat with a raised collar, and to top it off, a silk hat whose fashion had faded a hundred years ago.
He was clearly a Black man, yet the eyes visible through his transparent monocle gleamed with a mysterious golden hue.
As he regarded us, he gently touched the brim of his hat and offered a greeting.
“It is a pleasure to meet you both.”
Korean flowed smoothly through the medium of translation magic.
An uninvited guest who had arrived without prior notice, yet as a messenger sent by Odin Guild, I could not openly show coldness.
Moreover, one who carried this much mana…
‘He’s no mere messenger.’
I gave a small nod toward the unfamiliar visitor, and Choi Team Leader offered him a seat.
“Please, have a seat.”
The three of us, myself included, sat facing one another across a solid wood table.
A peculiar atmosphere hung in the air for a moment before the visitor broke the silence first.
“Allow me to introduce myself. I am Huginn of Odin Guild.”
“That raven?”
At my inadvertent murmur, the visitor smiled faintly.
“Ah, of course I have another name, but since serving under the Guild Master, I have been called Huginn, so if you would be so kind as to address me by that name.”
Any hunter of considerable renown tends to be called by their epithet—a name earned through their abilities—more often than their birth name.
Yet this figure before me, Huginn, remained a stranger no matter how hard I searched my memory.
‘A hidden confidant of the Odin Guild Master, perhaps?’
When even the great domestic guilds harbored numerous secrets, it was difficult for someone like me, a field operative handling the frontlines, to know the details of foreign affairs.
‘Especially not regarding Odin Guild.’
There was indeed a time when Ares Guild was called the greatest in the world.
But some twenty years ago, Cheon Tae-min vanished before everyone’s eyes.
People questioned what had happened, and Lee Jung-yong, who became the new captain of Ares Guild, could not fill the void left by Cheon Tae-min no matter what skills he employed.
One year, five years, then ten.
Many who still ardently followed Cheon Tae-min continued to call Ares Guild the greatest.
But those who understood reality, especially hunters, thought differently.
‘Ares Guild was, to speak coldly, a setting sun. Already for the past ten years.’
Meanwhile, Odin Guild was a rising sun.
Based in Europe, they had rapidly expanded their influence during Ares Guild’s decline, acquiring and merging several major guilds in the process, standing as an undeniable giant that no one could deny.
Enough so to send a mere messenger to the new master of Ares Guild.
“The reason I have arrived so abruptly today is to convey the Guild Master’s congratulations.”
At Huginn’s words, Choi Team Leader opened his mouth with an expressionless face.
“I see.”
“Yes, I hear that person is very pleased that such a capable young man with the proper qualifications has taken over Ares Guild.”
On the surface, it was praise, but the underlying meaning was entirely different.
I licked my lips with my tongue and muttered inwardly.
‘Look at these bastards….’
No matter how thickly you wrap certain things, you can’t hide what’s inside. The same applied to Huginn’s polite tone and demeanor.
‘Looking down on me from the start, absolutely.’
It felt like meeting an envoy from a superior nation.
And the Choi Team Leader I knew was neither stupid enough to miss such things nor hasty enough to show displeasure so crudely.
“That’s too much praise given the circumstances with my grandfather, but nonetheless, I’m infinitely grateful for such words. I’d even like to meet him in person and offer my greetings.”
But even to Choi Team Leader’s pointed remark, Huginn never lost his smile.
“Ah, he was quite disappointed that you couldn’t visit in person.”
“The Guild Master must be quite busy. From what I understand, he’s been avoiding external activities for several years now… It seems rumors truly can’t be trusted.”
The higher one’s position, the heavier one’s seat becomes—an eternal truth.
Cheon Tae-min’s case, who had completely disappeared from sight, was merely an extreme example.
Most great Guild Masters avoided contact with the outside world, and the Odin Guild Master was no exception.
“Since he’s someone I’ve always respected, I’d like to visit and pay my respects. What do you think?”
“Ha ha, well.”
Huginn laughed aloud and interlaced his fingers as he continued.
“I’m sorry to say, but it seems it will be difficult given how busy he’s become recently.”
“Something seems to have come up.”
“Yes. It’s a minor matter, but on the other hand, quite a troublesome problem… It seems he’s giving it considerable thought on how to handle it. The same goes for others.”
“Others, you say?”
“Acquaintances he’s known for many years. One person he’s scheduled to meet today is from Chronos…. Ah, my apologies. I’ve said something I shouldn’t have.”
The name of another massive Guild, one that belonged to the world’s top ten alongside Ares, suddenly spilled out.
Choi Team Leader murmured quietly.
“Chronos Guild.”
“I’d appreciate it if you could forget you heard that. I often make such mistakes and end up being called in by the Guild Master for a scolding.”
At Huginn’s troubled expression, I couldn’t help but let out a snort of laughter.
“A mistake, my ass.”
“Pardon?”
“Listen here, Mister Raven. Drop the pathetic act and let’s have a genuine conversation from now on.”
I thought maybe I should have just kept quiet and watched.
That thought crossed my mind, but as I continued listening to this roundabout talk, I felt like I’d eaten a hundred sweet potatoes without any soup to wash them down—I couldn’t hold back anymore.
I leaned back against the plush sofa and opened my mouth.
“Honestly, let’s be straight about it—you came because of the Mana Cultivation Method that’s about to be revealed. Stop at a reasonable point. If you go further from here, it gets boring. You could team up with other massive Guilds like Chronos and bury us, so don’t act tough. That’s what you’re really trying to say, isn’t it?”
“….”
“No, damn it. We all know what’s going on here—why are you dancing around it and giving me a headache? We’re not even recording this anyway, so just say what you need to say and leave. Right?”
Huginn, who had been listening silently to my torrent of words, suddenly turned his head toward Choi Team Leader.
“I refrained from mentioning it, fearing it might be impolite, but is there a particular reason Mister Jin needs to be present at this meeting?”
“Of course there is.”
Choi Team Leader responded calmly.
“Jin Tae-kyung is an important person to us. And if you wanted a private meeting, you should have said so from the beginning.”
“Then would it be acceptable to request a private meeting even now?”
“I refuse.”
At Choi Team Leader’s answer, delivered without a shred of hesitation, Huginn blinked his golden eyes.
“Well, this is rather disconcerting.”
“We feel the same way. If you had arranged an appointment beforehand, we could have coordinated many things.”
“Hmm.”
Huginn adjusted his monocle and opened his mouth.
“Then since I was the one who acted rudely first, I offer my formal apologies to both of you.”
Look at this guy.
At first I thought he was going for some raven concept, but there was a reason he dressed in a gentleman’s suit.
Faced with Huginn’s rather courteous demeanor, I responded in kind.
“Well, since you were the one who messed up first, I won’t apologize.”
“….”
“I already understand your intentions, so stop looking at me like that. Let’s just have a sincere conversation like you said earlier. Okay?”
Sigh.
Huginn nodded along with a exhale.
“Very well. Since you’re being so direct, I have no choice but to be equally straightforward.”
“Keep it short. Just the main point.”
Beneath the magical lighting installed in the Office, Huginn’s monocle gleamed.
The brief silence shattered quickly. He, who had been staring at me and Choi Team Leader without speaking, finally opened his mouth.
“Cease the public disclosure of the Mana Cultivation Method. There will be consequences if you refuse this proposal.”
It was a single sentence that perfectly fulfilled my demand to keep it short and to the point, yet it left us feeling far worse than we’d anticipated.
“Well, I already suspected as much, but hearing it like this is really bitter. Don’t you think?”
At my question, Choi Team Leader shrugged.
“Still, it’s far better than the roundabout way you were speaking just moments ago, wouldn’t you say?”
“That’s true. If you’d said it that way back then, I really would have….”
“You must exercise restraint.”
“I was holding back even without you stopping me, Team Leader. I don’t like making things worse. But honestly, I think I would have told him to take off those glasses.”
Hearing my response, Choi Team Leader let out a soft laugh, and Huginn’s eyes narrowed.
“You’re quite rude. Just as I’ve heard.”
“And you’re being remarkably unpleasant yourself. I hadn’t heard about that before.”
“Are you thinking of staging a show of force right here?”
“If necessary, I will. Once you take off those glasses.”
“…Now listen here, Mr. Jin.”
“Yes, I’m listening. Go ahead.”
“Don’t get worked up. This is merely a proposal.”
“Even if your mouth is crooked, your words should be straight. To my ears, that sounded like a threat, not a proposal.”
“If you heard it as a threat, then perhaps it will become one. But what matters to me is not your perception.”
Huginn turned his head toward Choi Team Leader after answering decisively.
“What will you do, Mr. Choi?”
Golden eyes gleamed with an icy light. Power resonated in Huginn’s voice as it flowed between his lips.
“Choose. Directly, yourself.”
* * *
Huginn was certain of it.
‘This is an offer that cannot be refused.’
An ultimatum in all but name.
Anyone with even a modicum of sense would have no choice but to step back.
Jin Tae-kyung was beyond unpredictable—half-mad, even—so his reaction hardly mattered, but the young Asian man before me, Choi Min-woo, would choose differently.
Moreover….
‘The Slayer does not intervene. Since the Master spoke thus, it is as fact.’
The words of none other than That Person himself.
Huginn offered absolute loyalty to his superior.
His words had never been wrong, so Choi Min-woo’s answer was as good as predetermined.
Perhaps that was why.
When Choi Min-woo’s response came moments later, it felt entirely inevitable to Huginn.
“Given the circumstances, there’s nothing to be done. I understand.”
“As expected. Mr. Choi is truly wise.”
The heart that had wavered while facing Jin Tae-kyung found its place again.
Only then did Huginn recover the smile he had briefly lost and continued.
“Then the public unveiling of the Mana Cultivation Method scheduled for tomorrow evening—I take it that’s completely cancelled?”
“Of course. I’ve had a change of heart.”
“Excellent. That Person will be delighted to hear this news.”
Huginn rose from his seat and added a final remark.
“The others as well.”
Choi Min-woo answered calmly.
“I hope so.”
“They are reasonable people. From now on, we can build a good relationship in a much more pleasant atmosphere.”
Huginn spoke with weight behind his words as he regarded Jin Tae-kyung.
The man who had been spouting vulgarities right in front of him moments ago was now sprawled across the sofa, fiddling with his smartphone.
‘Utterly disrespectful to the end.’
Yet satisfaction far outweighed any displeasure. After all, he was the victor of this encounter.
Before departing, Huginn adjusted his silk hat like a cultured gentleman and extended his hand to Jin Tae-kyung for a handshake.
“Mr. Jin, I fear I’ve committed an unintended discourtesy today. I hope we might meet again with smiles next time.”
Only the victor has the right to mock the defeated with kind words.
Moreover, when he saw Jin Tae-kyung refuse to take his offered hand and respond curtly in the next moment, his mood only improved further.
“You’re impatient. The upload isn’t even finished yet.”
“I have urgent matters to attend to. Then I’ll take my leave.”
My business here was now concluded.
After offering a respectful bow to Choi Min-woo, Huginn turned without hesitation and walked toward the door.
Tap, tap.
Light footsteps crossed the carpet. Yet Huginn found himself unable to continue past the doorway.
It was because of a single phrase he’d just heard—one he couldn’t possibly ignore.
“Did you just say something about…?”
His words trailed off as he turned back around. Jin Tae-kyung blinked at Huginn, whose eyes held a mixture of doubt and suspicion.
“Hmm? Oh, upload?”
“Upload…?”
“Yes. It’s nothing important, so please go ahead and leave. You look busy.”
Upload. Upload. Upload.
Those three syllables, resting at the edge of his hearing, throbbed in rhythm with his heartbeat.
“What exactly… did you upload?”
And it was Choi Min-woo, not Jin Tae-kyung, who answered his halting question.
“Did I not tell you? I changed my mind.”
“Surely not.”
“The Mana Cultivation Method. We decided to release it today.”
“…!”

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————