Chapter 79: Provocation (1)
Hong Seong-Tae was the sole teleportation-type Awakened in South Korea, and one of only five worldwide. Fully aware of the value of his power, he had meticulously fashioned a laid-back, comfortable life for himself.
It was for this reason that he asked dumbfoundedly, "Teleportation Magic?"
"Yes, Teleportation Magic," Kim Ki-Rok confirmed.
If, by any means, Teleportation Magic were commercialized and made accessible to the public, his monopoly would be imperiled. Rather than paying a hefty sum to use his ability, many would simply use Teleportation Magic on their own.
Of course, if he had maintained a pleasant, cooperative relationship with his "customers" this might never have become an issue. But the problem was that Hong Seong-Tae was a textbook example of an arrogant tyrant. He used his power however he pleased, charged wildly fluctuating fees depending on his mood, and even harassed female Hunters who sought his services.
Nevertheless, because he had a monopoly in South Korea, people had no choice but to grit their teeth and pay. Yet if a substitute emerged...
Hong Seong-Tae froze for a moment, but tried to speak as though nothing was wrong. "W-wow, but is it really possible to commercialize it? That sounds like something that only Archwizard Kan Cho-Woo could pull off."
"It's possible. We have these things called magic circles, after all."
"I-I see," Hong Seong-Tae replied, forcing an awkward smile while Kim Ki-Rok stared at him.
Standing at a moral crossroads between Hunter and Awakened criminal, Hong Seong-Tae's nature did not vacillate between good and evil. He was simply evil. The only reasons he had not become an outright criminal were that he dreaded fighting and lacked the nerve to kill.
"H-however, if Ji-Hee isn't there to lend you her mana...?"
"Didn't I tell you? We'll use magic circles. There's no need to borrow mana," Kim Ki-Rok replied matter-of-factly.