Chapter 67: Ice Troll (1)
Gates had appeared all across the country.
Even a quiet rural village deep in the mountains, home primarily to elderly residents, was no exception. Though far from urban centers, information flowed freely in this day and age, so the villagers were well aware of Gates and monsters.
The elderly residents reported the Gate, and the Association immediately dispatched personnel to investigate and register it. Once a Gate's appearance was formally registered, Hunters arrived to scout and raid it, while Association employees came to manage the Gate.
After spending considerable time and effort investigating, they concluded that the Gate covered a vast area and would be difficult to clear quickly. One major corporation sent trucks loaded with various supplies to prepare for a long-term battle, making the once quiet rural village unusually noisy.
Then, on December 23, enough Hunters showed up that one might call it a small army, and the village residents evacuated to a hotel rented out by the Hunters Association.
"There sure are a lot of people." A man stepped off a bus with a small, adorable girl and surveyed the scene.
According to the Association's warning, a Break would soon occur. The Hunters inspected their equipment, ready to jump into combat at any moment.
A mobile stall, converted from a container truck, sold whatever goods one might need yet could pack up and flee at a moment's notice. Meanwhile, Association employees roamed the area to ensure no villagers remained behind.
A Hunter gasped as they saw Kim Ki-Rok step out of a bus. The other Hunters in the area followed his gaze to look at the DG Guild members pouring out of their bus.
"Wow! Feels like seeing a celebrity," said one Hunter, dazzled by Lee Ji-Yeon's looks.
"It's Ji-Hee! That's Ji-Hee!" squealed a female Hunter, smitten by her cuteness.
"Wow! It's Mr. Big Eater!" Another Hunter clapped excitedly at the sight of Jeong Man-Kook.