Solo Leveling : Fire

Chapter 16

Back in the present, Choi Jong-In sat in his office, reviewing a report he had been keeping an eye on for the past two years. It was a document about Sung Jin-Woo. Ever since Jin-Woo became a hunter, he had remained an E-rank, barely scraping by in dungeons that should have been too dangerous for him. And yet, despite his weak rank, he had survived every single one.

Choi Jong-In had been secretly supporting Jin-Woo and his younger sister, Jin-Ah, in ways that wouldn't raise suspicion. He never interfered directly, ensuring that Jin-Woo would still push himself in dungeons, training his survival instincts while keeping him just barely afloat. It was a delicate balance—he couldn't make things too easy, but he also couldn't let Jin-Woo struggle too much and lose hope. However, today, as he read through the latest report, a smirk formed on his lips.

"So, it's about to happen," he murmured to himself, leaning back in his chair.

The infamous double dungeon.

Choi Jong-In had been waiting for this moment. Based on his knowledge of the original timeline, he knew that at thirty years old, Jin-Woo would soon encounter the dungeon that would change his life forever. And now, Choi himself had reached that same age. The timing was perfect. The reawakening of Sung Jin-Woo was imminent, and that meant the war would soon follow.

He placed the paper down and exhaled.

"I need to be ready. There isn't much time left."

A knock on his office door pulled him from his thoughts.

"Come in," he called.

The door opened, revealing one of his assistants. "Sir, your coffee is ready. Also, Vice Guild Master Jongsoo has arrived. Should I send him in?"

"Yes, let him in," Choi replied.

As the assistant left, Choi stood up, grabbing his coat before heading towards the highest floor of the guild building. The top floor was designed as an open space where his dragon, Ignel, could rest.

The massive red dragon lay curled up, its crimson scales gleaming under the sunlight. Its body radiated an intense warmth, a constant reminder of the overwhelming fire it wielded. Choi approached, placing a hand on Ignel's cheek, feeling the deep rumble of its breath. The bond between them had only grown stronger over the years.

"You've gotten big," he muttered, chuckling to himself.

A voice interrupted his moment of reflection.

"So, this is where you've been hiding, Guild Master Choi."

Choi turned to see Park Jongsoo approaching, clad in his raid attire. His expression was amused, but his eyes held curiosity. Over the years, the two had formed a close friendship, built on mutual respect.

Choi gestured for Jongsoo to sit at a nearby table before calling for another cup of coffee.

"So?" Jongsoo began, resting his elbows on the table. "What's on your mind? You've been looking deep in thought lately."

Choi smirked, swirling his coffee cup. "It seems like a great change is about to happen."

Jongsoo raised an eyebrow. "And why do you believe that?"

Choi leaned back, his expression thoughtful. "Call it a gut feeling. Maybe we'll be seeing another national hunter soon?"

Jongsoo scoffed. "There you go again, talking like you know the future." He took a sip of his drink, shaking his head. "That arrogance of yours never fades, does it?"

Choi laughed, but his expression quickly turned serious. He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out another document, sliding it across the table toward Jongsoo.

"Take a look at this."

Jongsoo glanced at the papers, recognizing them as a detailed report on dungeon activity over the past few months. His eyebrows furrowed as he read through it.

"The gate levels are increasing..." he muttered. "And this... these patterns are strange."

Choi nodded. "Exactly. Something is off. The gates appearing lately have been... different. More aggressive. Stronger. I don't like it."

Jongsoo exhaled, leaning back. "It's true that gates are getting harder to handle. But you think this is leading to something bigger?"

"I know it is." Choi's tone was firm. "That's why I need you to be careful. If you ever feel like something is off about a gate, or if you encounter someone unusual, contact me immediately. Do not engage alone."

Jongsoo blinked, slightly taken aback. It wasn't like Choi to be this cautious. Sure, he was strategic and calculating, but he had always carried an air of invincibility. For him to be this concerned meant something serious was coming.

"Alright," Jongsoo finally said, nodding. "I'll keep an eye out. But you don't need to worry too much. It's not like we're weak. We have Chae Hae-In with us, and you're our guild master."

Choi chuckled, shaking his head. "Still, I'd rather be safe than sorry."

As their conversation ended, Choi stood up and walked over to Ignel, resting his hand on the dragon's scales once more. His eyes gazed out into the horizon, his mind already racing with strategies and preparations.

The war was coming.

And he had to be ready.

End of Chapter