Obtained End-Game Gear for a Bowl of Ramen - Chapter 15

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Episode 15. Declaration of Surrender
Oh Seung-woo faced Chang Yao in the Interrogation Room. It had been days since they’d detained him, yet they’d made no progress.
“I don’t know Korean. Get a translator.”
Chang Yao rolled his eyes deliberately. Something about him reeked of calculation.
“I speak Chinese. Just talk. Why did you come to Korea?”
Oh Seung-woo remained cautious. Chang Yao might use a translator as cover to bring in someone from the Murong Guild. It had happened before, more than once.
Sensing the ploy wouldn’t work, Chang Yao answered anyway.
“I came to kill an EX-Rank.”
“The man whose house you broke into isn’t EX-Rank.”
Son Jeong-ho’s place—an ordinary civilian’s home. They’d investigated thoroughly; nothing suspicious turned up. Three years of job hunting prep, now in his fourth year. Just another young person drifting through life.
There was no reason to think he was anyone Chang Yao would target.
“Doesn’t matter. I kill him, write ‘EX’ in his blood real big on the wall—then kill a dozen or so others the same way. The real EX-Rank will get worried and show themselves.”
Oh Seung-woo had reached his limit. What did this man think human lives were?
“Did Li Wei order this?”
Chang Yao grinned and made a zipping motion across his lips. Silence fell over the Interrogation Room for a moment before he spoke again.
“My master will come for me soon.”
“Li Wei can’t save you. This is an international incident, and you were caught red-handed. There’s no way out.”
“Really? Korea isn’t exactly desperate for Mana Stones, is it? Your reserves must be running low soon. Or are you seriously willing to sacrifice an entire nation to protect one EX-Rank? Beauty worth a kingdom, they say—hehehehe!”
Bzzzzzzt—
Oh Seung-woo’s smartphone buzzed. Chang Yao smirked.
“My savior has arrived. You should take that call, shouldn’t you?”
Oh Seung-woo glared hard at Chang Yao.
“Enjoy your cockiness while it lasts. The EX-Rank will stabilize Korea’s Mana Stone crisis.”
Bang! Oh Seung-woo left the Interrogation Room. Left alone, Chang Yao grinned at the surveillance camera.
“Even an EX-Rank can’t do it. You know that, don’t you? Best they can manage is clearing ten levels of the Tower. Unless they re-enter a Chaos Gate. Hahahaha!”
The interrogation room door swung open. Chang Yao expected it and began to laugh, but Oh Seung-woo’s reaction was strange.
“Chang Yao. It’s over.”
“See? I told you to let me out from the start. We’re just wasting time, and I’m dying of boredom—”
“You’re done. Look.”
Oh Seung-woo held out his smartphone. The screen showed Li Wei holding a press conference.
—I am Li Wei. The supreme master of the Murong Guild, destined to become the world’s number one Hunter. I announce to all who see this video:
Chang Yao’s mouth smiled, but his eyes did not. Something about his beloved Master’s confident bearing seemed off.
Something was wrong. Something had broken. The assassin’s instinct screamed a warning through Chang Yao’s body. Cold sweat rolled down his cheek and beaded at his jaw.
—I hereby declare complete surrender to Korea’s EX-Rank.
“No!!! This is a trick! A lie!! Master!!”
Chang Yao’s frenzied outburst. Oh Seung-woo called for backup immediately.
“You lying Korean bastards!! How dare you—how dare you insult our master?!”
“Take him. Solitary. Put a TV in there. Keep him locked up until he settles down.”
Chang Yao was dragged away, hurling curses and recriminations as he went. Through it all, Li Wei on the screen remained unmoved.
—I will resume Mana Stone supply immediately. I ask that the EX-Rank visit to finalize all arrangements. There are facts you must know.
The camera zoomed in on Li Wei’s face. He looked directly into the lens, meeting the eyes of viewers across the world.
—The fate of the world depends on it.
* * *
<BREAKING: Li Wei Announces Total Surrender!>
All of Korea erupted. That arrogant Li Wei surrendering? On camera, no less?
People who’d grown sick of Li Wei’s tyranny felt a surge of vindication. Foreign media outlets offered roundabout words of thanks to Korea.
Years of backed-up tension suddenly released. Hunters especially erupted in fury.
└Hah. Serves him right. Why mess with an EX-Rank? Thought he was the best in the world?
└Considering everything Li Wei’s done, this is too light. He deserves worse.
└How much damage did that bastard cause Korea? In money terms? A trillion won? Ten trillion? We got screwed.
└Not just Korea. America, Britain, Japan—everyone lost something. How many Hunters did he bury for us never to know?
└It’s suspicious that he asked the EX-Rank to come directly. What if he tries something when they meet?
└EX-Rank! If you go meet Li Wei, just kill him already!
‘That’s too far.’
Jeong-ho was startled. He understood their joy, but casually wishing death on someone—was that really necessary?
He could see why they were excited. Once Li Wei resumed Mana Stone shipments, Korea’s economy would recover. People got caught up in the moment.
A celebration this short should be savored. But one part of Li Wei’s message bothered him—the request for a direct meeting.
It was an obvious trap, transparent to any fool. Lure him to home turf and gang up on him?
‘But if I use the Shadow Cut skill, it doesn’t matter.’
Sending the shadow leaves no trace. The principle escapes me, but the performance is undeniable.
I used Shadow Cut to cover the auction house, and no one noticed a thing. Even though the ID was Son Jeong-ho’s!
‘Not just a simple shadow—it’s some kind of information distortion skill, isn’t it?’
I felt anew the greatness of the Dimensional Store [Dapanda]. Fire Bolt too, and the original skills—their effects were staggering.
Moreover, this Shadow Cut is a skill no one but me can use because of the Mana Corruption penalty. It’s essentially my exclusive skill.
Two unique skills, all mine. With this, I could afford to meet Li Wei.
‘The problem is, what do I do when I get there?’
Li Wei had asked to discuss detailed follow-up arrangements. Essentially, a negotiation table. But I’ve failed interview after interview.
Even if I talk to Li Wei, will I be able to steer the conversation properly? The pen is mightier than the sword—the tongue is a weapon too.
What if I slip up, say the wrong thing, and end up signing some bizarre contract? In a heartbeat, I’d be a traitor.
Look at Korean history—Seo Hui, right? She expanded territory with a single negotiation. The reverse is just as possible.
‘Should I just not go?’
But not going didn’t sit right either. The proud Li Wei had surrendered before live broadcast cameras watched by the whole world.
If I didn’t show, I was afraid what underhanded tricks he might pull using that as leverage.
‘Really troublesome guy. I have to go. Just in case, let me prepare as much as I can.’
I opened my inventory. Clearing Tower of Trials floor 15, I’d gathered five Hero’s Proofs.
[You have gathered 5 Hero’s Proofs.]
[You obtain 1 Hero’s Proof Box!]
It’s the third time, but the random draw still makes my heart race. Guaranteed Unique rank or higher. What’s today’s item?
‘The first was a Remote Gate Entry Ticket. The second was a Hero’s Diary.’
The ticket was disappointing but useful. Somehow, it contributed greatly to South Korea’s security. The diary was a stat-growth item.
Both good, but I hoped for something different this time. Is there an item that could help with the negotiation?
Click! Pop!
—Hero’s Command Right (Unique): Forces the target in your line of sight to perform one action of your choosing. Cannot be resisted without Hero’s Power. Single use.
“There it is.”
Do as commanded, one time. Resistance impossible without Hero’s Power. But Hero’s Power only appears after climbing Tower of Trials at least 100 floors.
Meaning, no one in the world but me has Hero’s Power. No one can resist. Li Wei is helpless against this.
* * *
Whoosh. Whoooosh.
A yacht landed at the West Sea Port. Like something from a wuxia drama, Chinese figures in black cloaks streamed off.
Murong Guild members secured the perimeter, and Li Wei waited anxiously inside the boat.
‘Will the EX-Rank actually show up.’
With various pretexts, he’d insisted they meet inside the boat. If they met in Korea, Li Wei would be at a disadvantage; if in China, the EX-Rank would be. So the boat as neutral ground.
Of course, the boat had been prepared by Murong. Actually, there was nowhere to escape—the situation was far more disadvantageous for the EX-Rank. A transparent trap.
‘There’s no other way. There’s no winning through fair means.’
Li Wei didn’t even know the EX-Rank’s name. Meanwhile, the EX-Rank knew plenty about Li Wei. Li Wei was famous, after all.
“Ryu Je.”
Ryu Je, who’d been waiting anxiously beside him, lifted his head.
“Yes, Master.”
“You will never betray me, no matter what happens.”
“Huh? M-Master. Why are you saying this so suddenly?”
“I can tell through my unique skill. If something happens to me.”
Li Wei rose and placed a hand on Ryu Je’s shoulder.
“You will be the next Master of Murong.”
“M-Me?! No, Master. I’m weak. Compared to your brilliance, I’m but a candle before the sun!”
“There’s no talent but you. Murong is the Murim. I’m the Murim Alliance Leader. Murim practitioners can’t feed themselves with their own hands, can’t do their own accounting.”
Ryu Je finally understood.
“You mean there’s no one but me to handle accounting, administration, and personnel affairs?”
“Exactly. I’ve prepared what’s needed. Deal with any dissenters with your own hands.”
Li Wei handed a small key to Ryu Je.
“My Armory Key. I trust you with it.”
Ryu Je took the key in bewilderment. Li Wei sank back into the sofa. He’d done all he could before meeting the EX-Rank.
‘What kind of person is the EX-Rank, really.’
He tried to piece together an image from everything so far, but nothing came. Clearly they’d cleared towers and gates recklessly, yet they hadn’t posted their rewards to the auction house.
Just a few intermediate Mana Stones at best. Where did all the other rewards go?
A collector? Self-satisfaction? Or keeping everything for themselves? Like Ronald, the world’s number one from the United States? Maybe they’re just rich and don’t care.
“Someone’s coming!”
Li Wei reflexively used Gaze from Above. Whoosh! His vision shifted, and he spotted a shadow approaching the boat.
It really was a shadow. It looked like a person, but it wasn’t recognized as one. Like a video with static.
‘As expected. They have such a skill. No wonder we couldn’t find them.’
A skill befitting an EX-Rank. Strong enough to overcome even Li Wei’s near-omniscient Gaze from Above.
“Let him through. Everyone step back. You’re no match for him. Don’t interfere.”
Li Wei had abandoned his plan long ago. If things went wrong, he had a contingency—seal the exits and overwhelm the EX-Rank with sheer numbers.
It was a different league entirely. Even fighting, they couldn’t win. He didn’t even know if that was the real body or a double. Literally, there was no way to tell.
“Ryu Je. You leave too.”
“Master. Be careful.”
Soon Li Wei was alone on the ship. Then someone boarded. Hood pulled down to the crown of their head, baggy jeans. A mask and sunglasses. If anything, it looked suspicious.
“Are you the EX-Rank?”
“That’s right.”
“Your name?”
“…Secret.”
“Secret. Sit down.”
“No, it’s Secret! Secret is the name, not—I mean, my name is Secret.”
“A light joke. I speak Korean. Sit down. No interpreter needed.”
Li Wei composed himself carefully, exhaling slowly. Words he’d practiced countless times for a day like this.
“I am Li Wei. A Hunter who will become the strongest, who must become the strongest. All of this is to protect the world.”
The shadow of Jeong-ho lifted its head. Li Wei’s eyes gleamed strangely.
“Listen well. In two months. The strongest Gate in history will open in Asia. At minimum S-Rank, perhaps something that should be called EX-Rank.”
The shadow of Jeong-ho flinched. Was this a threat? For something so dire, Li Wei’s tone was remarkably earnest.
“If that Gate isn’t sealed, the world ends. At the very least, Northeast Asia and Russia will be utterly destroyed.”
Li Wei rose smoothly from the sofa. Up close, it was unmistakable. This was the Hunter who had helped Jeong-ho in the Chaos Gate.
“I’ve concentrated all my strength into this one body to prevent a future where the world perishes. It had to be done.”
Li Wei scanned the shadow of Jeong-ho from head to foot, as if expecting a reaction.
Jeong-ho himself had nothing to say. The logic was so bizarre he couldn’t even muster a rebuttal.
‘So he’s going to destroy the world before it destroys itself? And what does that have to do with repeatedly beating up Korea?’
The Gate that Li Wei warned of—Jeong-ho had already sensed it. Every time he used his Gate Guide Authority, a massive presence lingered nearby.
Still far from opening, but by Li Wei’s account, easily S-Rank or above. The location: Shanghai. Frightening enough, but this was excessive.
“Yet the EX-Rank you beat me. You stole my blessing and plundered the Chaos Gate that should have been mine. I can no longer become the strongest. The world’s future has darkened. Because of you!”
Li Wei glared at the shadow of Jeong-ho with blazing eyes.
“You brought this on yourself. EX-Rank, you have an obligation to seal that Gate. If you hadn’t interfered, I could have—”
“You talk a lot. Alright, alright. I’ll seal it. Done?”
The shadow of Jeong-ho grumbled to its feet. Li Wei was actually taken aback.
“You feel nothing hearing this? That you’ve ruined my grand plan to save the world’s future. I’m holding you responsible!”
“I’ll seal it. Don’t blame me for things that haven’t even happened yet.”
“What if you can’t seal it?”
Jeong-ho shrugged.
“Li Wei. If you can’t seal it, what happens then?”
“That’s impossible. By my plan, I would be the strongest. I’ll definitely seal it.”
“Same here. If you’ve nothing more, I’m leaving. Oh, and next time don’t come threatening me with Mana Stones or whatever. The Gate opening in Shanghai, right? I could just ignore it and hunt the monsters heading to Korea instead.”
The shadow of Jeong-ho shuffled off the ship. Li Wei looked deflated. The Murong Guild members lurking nearby rushed to grab the shadow.
“Let him go. That’s a fake anyway.”
A slow-witted guild member yanked at the shadow’s clothes. Whoosh! The black shadow scattered like snowflakes melting in sunlight.
“Wh—what is this?! Master! An EX-Rank using such cheap tricks in a place like this—”
“That’s the minimum he should do. I expected as much. He was a step ahead. More than anything—”
Li Wei let out a hollow, bitter laugh.
I’ll seal it. How can an EX-Rank be so confident? As Li Wei replayed the conversation, his face went rigid.
—The Gate opening in Shanghai, right?
He’d never mentioned the specific location. Li Wei’s heart pounded. Cold sweat trickled down his forehead.
‘How did the EX-Rank know that? Is he also a sensor like me? Could it be… I was never the strongest, not for a single moment?!’
Li Wei collapsed onto the sofa, wailing.
“Why did Heaven birth Li Wei, and also birth an EX-Rank?!”
* * *
Jeong-ho ended the Shadow Cut. He didn’t use the Hero’s Command Right in the end.
‘Just as well. It would’ve been a waste here anyway. One guaranteed command, one negotiation success at the table—no brainer.’
The moment he saw it, he knew exactly where to use it. Jeong-ho pulled the Hero’s Diary from his inventory and opened it.
<Chapter 2: Negotiating with the Nobility>
He’d put it to good use on a permanent stat-boost item.
‘No matter what kind of noble it is, they won’t be able to resist a command right?’
Jeong-ho gripped the Hero’s Command Right in his hand and grinned. The page of the Hero’s Diary fluttered over.
Continued in the next episode ▶
Got an endgame item for one bowl of ramen
Author
Ha-yan Gotgam
Publisher
Kim Seok-hwan, Choi Se-ra
Publishing House
Grae Publishing
Inquiries
[email protected]
Publication Date
August 24, 2026
UCI
G720:N+A327-20260423069
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※ Pentagram welcomes your precious manuscripts.

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