Chapter 227 – Digging for Information

Seo Jin-cheol had a younger brother named Seo Jin-ho, who was two years his junior.

He wasn’t a hunter but an ordinary civilian, a typical unemployed person.

At least, that’s how he appeared in Min Do-jun’s eyes.

‘Looking at him lounging around at home all day, he’s definitely unemployed.’

While observing him atop the ghost wolf, Seo Jin-ho never once left to go to work.

He did go out to drink with friends, though.

‘At 25, he should be back in school, working part-time to pay for tuition.’

He didn’t seem to attend university either, as he never went near a campus.

Most of his time was spent at home watching TV or playing games.

‘And occasionally, he meets his older brother, Seo Jin-cheol.’

That’s when Min Do-jun learned of the younger brother’s existence.

It was during one of their meetings for a meal.

‘If they hadn’t met, I would’ve never known.’

That’s why he found it strange.

Why did the brothers live separately?

And in their own 33-pyeong (approximately 1,170 square feet) apartments in Seoul, no less.

‘Where did the money come from for such a place…?’

Seo Jin-cheol, being an S-rank hunter, could easily afford it, but Seo Jin-ho, in Min Do-jun’s view, was unemployed.

There was no apparent source of income.

‘There’s one possibility, though.’

If Seo Jin-cheol, the financial backer, was helping out, that could explain it.

Tap, tap, tap-

While Min Do-jun watched from atop the ghost wolf, having infiltrated the house, Seo Jin-ho’s thumb moved busily on his phone.

[Hyung, have you eaten lunch?]

[No.]

[Let’s meet. I’ve got something to tell you.]

[Alright. I’ll come pick you up now.]

It was a conversation with his older brother, Seo Jin-cheol.

Even though the brothers lived separately, they occasionally met for lunch like this.

‘I hope I can get some useful information this time.’

Last time he observed their meeting, the conversation between the brothers didn’t yield the information Min Do-jun wanted.

[I’m here. Come down to the parking lot.]

Having already prepared to go out, Seo Jin-ho left the house as soon as he saw his brother’s message.

“Hyung!”

Seo Jin-ho showed a delighted expression upon seeing Seo Jin-cheol in a Ferrari.

‘I felt it last time too, but their relationship definitely isn’t bad.’

Unlike the stoic older brother, the younger sibling was quite friendly.

Though the brothers were a contrast, they somehow got along well.

Min Do-jun closely followed them on the ghost wolf.

Vroooom-

Despite the loud noise of the car starting, the brothers had no idea.

They didn’t know someone riding a wolf was following above their heads, eavesdropping on their conversation.

“Jin-ho, what do you want to eat?”

“That place we went to last time was good.”

“The one with three Michelin stars?”

“Yeah.”

“Since you called me, you’re paying, right?”

“Ah, hyung. Where would I get the money?”

“Didn’t I transfer ten million won to you last month?”

“Oh… that? I spent it all.”

“What?”

Seo Jin-cheol’s eyes flared with irritation.

“You spent three months’ worth of money in just one month?”

“Hehe, sorry. I ended up drinking with friends and…”

“How many times did you go to those private rooms?”

Grumbling, Seo Jin-cheol began a full-on lecture.

“What have you been doing at home?”

“What else? Just chilling.”

“Aren’t you planning to go back to school? Not going to study?”

“Why study? I’m living large like this.”

“Hey, you know it’s all thanks to me, right?”

“Of course! Hyung, you’re the best! What kind of brother buys a house for his sibling, covers living expenses, and even sends money for our parents to live abroad? If there’s anyone like that, let them come forward!”

‘As expected. Seo Jin-cheol provided everything.’

For someone who earns over a billion won per dungeon run, supporting his family generously wouldn’t be a burden at all.

“Hyung, while we’re on the topic, can you give me some allowance? I’m out of living expenses.”

“Is that what you wanted to talk about?”

“Yeah.”

“Tch, and here I thought it was something important. Fine. I’ll send ten million later. You’ve got to spend it wisely this time, okay?”

“Of course! Hyung, you’re the best!”

Flashing double thumbs-up and flattering his brother, Seo Jin-ho made Seo Jin-cheol furrow his brow before a faint smile appeared on his face.

It seemed he didn’t dislike his younger brother’s behavior.

‘What a sucker. He doesn’t even realize he’s being taken advantage of.’

Min Do-jun clicked his tongue inwardly, but since it was someone else’s business, he didn’t dwell on it.

‘Still, this is an unexpected side of him. To open his wallet so easily to flattery.’

In Min Do-jun’s eyes, Seo Jin-cheol had seemed like a cold, emotionless figure, but now he looked like the biggest pushover.

‘This kind of guy joined a coup?’

Well, if he’s this simple-minded, he could be swayed into betraying his country with promises of money or power.

“We’re here. Let’s get out.”

Arriving at a Korean restaurant, the two began their meal.

During the meal, some conversations took place, but they were just crude jokes, nothing of interest to Min Do-jun.

“Hyung, I’ll be right back from the restroom.”

As Seo Jin-ho got up from his seat, Min Do-jun’s eyes gleamed.

‘This is an opportunity.’

His instincts told him.

If he missed this moment, he’d regret it.

Min Do-jun followed Seo Jin-ho with the ghost wolf.

Fortunately, Seo Jin-ho was the only one in the restroom.

Shaaa-

While Seo Jin-ho was washing his hands and humming a tune after finishing his business, Min Do-jun dismounted the ghost wolf and wrapped his arm around Seo Jin-ho’s neck from behind.

In an instant, he pressed on the carotid artery, knocking him out.

Then, he dragged him into a stall, locked the door, and slipped out.

Just then, someone entered, but-

Shaaa-

Min Do-jun calmly washed his hands in front of the mirror.

In the reflection, it wasn’t Min Do-jun’s face but Seo Jin-ho’s.

Using Tarnhelm, he had perfectly transformed his face, physique, and voice.

Even the clothes he wore matched.

‘There’s no way he’ll notice.’

After drying his hands, Min Do-jun returned to the table with a casual expression.

As he sat down, his eyes met Seo Jin-cheol’s, but that was it.

Seo Jin-cheol didn’t seem to suspect a thing and soon turned his attention back to the food.

Reassured, Min Do-jun naturally acted as the younger brother.

“Hyung, I suddenly got curious about something.”

“What is it?”

“Are you close with the top hunters?”

“Not really.”

“Why not? Don’t you get close when you party hunt together?”

“Not much. And what’s the point of getting close with guys?”

“Oh, hyung. You like women, don’t you?”

“Is there a guy who doesn’t like women?”

“Pfft.”

Min Do-jun let out a fake laugh as if he’d heard a funny joke.

Knowing the younger brother’s personality from observing him, he could act naturally.

“Hyung, do you know Hunter Min Do-jun?”

“Hey, is there anyone in Korea who doesn’t know Min Do-jun?”

As a figure who constantly made headlines, Min Do-jun was known not just in the hunter community but among ordinary people as well.

“Have you met him?”

“Nope. Just because we’re both S-rank doesn’t mean we run into each other every dungeon run. You’ve got to have some synergy to meet or not. And if you hunt overseas, it’s even harder to see them.”

“I see. What about Hunter Shin Kyung-min?”

He threw out the bait.

Now it was time to ask for the information he wanted.

But Seo Jin-cheol’s expression hardened, unlike before.

“I told you before. Don’t even mention that bastard.”

“S-Sorry.”

Though he didn’t know why Seo Jin-cheol suddenly got angry, one thing was clear.

‘There was definitely something between them.’

Min Do-jun wanted to dig deeper into their relationship.

“But hyung, why do you hate Hunter Shin Kyung-min so much? Weren’t you high school friends?”

“Don’t want your allowance? I said stop.”

Seeing Seo Jin-cheol’s fierce glare, Min Do-jun backed off.

“S-Sorry, hyung.”

It felt like if he didn’t listen, Seo Jin-cheol might hit him, brother or not.

‘If I get attacked out of nowhere, the transformation will break.’

Since Shin Kyung-min had become a taboo topic, making further probing impossible, Min Do-jun fell into thought.

‘What now? Any more conversation will only raise unnecessary suspicion.’

If he couldn’t get information, there was no point in continuing to act as the younger brother.

‘In that case, even if I leave…’

Min Do-jun stood up from his seat.

Then, naturally moving behind Seo Jin-cheol, he started massaging his shoulders.

“What are you doing?”

“Hyung, I’m sorry about earlier. Forgive me with your ocean-wide heart. I won’t mention that person again.”

“Damn right, you shouldn’t.”

As Min Do-jun massaged his shoulders as an apology, Seo Jin-cheol’s anger seemed to subside.

“Why’s a guy so weak? Put some strength into it and really knead.”

“Got it. I’ll massage your head too.”

While massaging his scalp, Min Do-jun implanted a parasite in his head.

[A parasite has been implanted in the target’s head.]

[Infected targets: 18/20]

Due to recently sacrificing three Black Sea Guild members, there were plenty of open slots.

‘Good. I’ve infected Shin Kyung-min, Kang Hyuk-su, and now Seo Jin-cheol.’

Now there was no need to painstakingly tail Seo Jin-cheol.

By simply closing his eyes, he could monitor his every move anytime, anywhere.

“Hyung, I’ll be right back from the restroom.”

“Again?”

“My stomach suddenly hurts.”

“Ugh, you poop machine. Hurry back.”

Grumbling as he was scolded, Min Do-jun entered the restroom, used invisibility, and waited about 20 minutes.

When the time was right, he woke up the unconscious Seo Jin-ho.

“Huh?”

Seo Jin-ho, startled awake, looked around.

“When did I fall asleep?”

Since he was knocked out instantly, he didn’t seem to realize he had been unconscious.

As Seo Jin-ho left the restroom, Seo Jin-cheol predictably scolded him.

“What took you so long? Were you making poop?”

“S-Sorry.”

“Let’s go. I’m a busy man, you know.”

Seo Jin-ho looked disappointed to leave without eating much, but he didn’t dare defy his brother.

Watching the two brothers leave the restaurant, Min Do-jun smiled.

‘Looks like it wrapped up nicely.’

Judging by the situation, it didn’t seem like his involvement would be discovered.

‘I didn’t get any significant information, though.’

That didn’t mean there was no gain at all.

‘I found out that Shin Kyung-min and Seo Jin-cheol don’t get along.’

He finally understood why Seo Jin-cheol wasn’t in Shin Kyung-min’s regular party.

Though he didn’t know why their relationship was strained.

‘Wait a minute! If they don’t get along, how did they join hands for the coup?’

Judging by how he didn’t even want to speak of Shin Kyung-min, they seemed almost like sworn enemies. How did this happen?

Would they reconcile and become close again in the future?

‘Or did they reluctantly join forces for a common goal…?’

In any case, he had implanted Parasite and done the best he could for now.

‘Now I just need to monitor him whenever I have time.’

And if he showed any criminal or suspicious behavior?

Min Do-jun, wielding the blade of judgment, would take action himself.

* * *

“Hmm…”

Two more weeks passed.

Min Do-jun’s level had now surpassed 3,800.

Meanwhile, Shin Kyung-min, in 2nd place, was still in the 3,600 range.

‘At this rate, I won’t lose 1st place.’

That wasn’t all.

Given enough time, he could even overtake Justin Walker, who was at level 4,500.

‘But that’s not what’s important right now.’

Information about the coup or Justin Walker’s intentions, among other things.

The lack of gathered information was the biggest issue.

Especially the current situation, where even monitoring through Parasite yielded no results, was the most significant problem.

‘In the end, two weeks of monitoring Seo Jin-cheol produced nothing.’

For that reason, Min Do-jun decided to take drastic measures.

A method called the direct approach.

“Hello, Hunter-nim.”

To that end, he called Shin Kyung-min to a café.

“For Hunter Min Do-jun to call me first… I never thought I’d see the day.”

“I wanted to ask you something.”

“Is it about me?”

Min Do-jun nodded, and Shin Kyung-min smiled as if delighted.

“Hahaha. Have you finally taken an interest in me? I’m excited to see what you’ll ask. Ah, let me order coffee first. What would you like?”

“Americano. No extra shots, hot.”

Shin Kyung-min brought the coffee and placed it on the table.

“If you’re curious about anything, ask away. I’ll answer with all my heart.”

“You’re high school friends with Seo Jin-cheol, ranked 5th, right?”

Shin Kyung-min, who had been sipping his coffee, paused.

“How did you…?”

“I happened to hear about it. Anyway, did something happen between you two?”

“Why do you think that?”

“It seems like you don’t get along.”

For a while, Shin Kyung-min silently sipped his coffee before letting out a sigh and speaking.

“Yes. Something did happen.”

“What was it?”

“It’s something I’m reluctant to tell others… but since I owe you for saving my sister, Hunter-nim, I’ll tell you.”

Shortly after, Shin Kyung-min began to recount what had happened between them.