The Genius Assassin Who Takes it All-Chapter 240: Norway (1)

“Jung Yuri has Kang Bok-hwa and Master K, so she can continue growing steadily.”

When I first needed to consider this matter, Jung Yuri was the first to come to mind.

Even now, she is making explosive progress with the support of her adoptive parents.

If she were given wings, she would fly even better, but she’s already a hunter equipped with excellent wings.

“Takashi is out. Regardless of investment value, there’s not enough trust with him. It’s not a good picture.”

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From an efficiency standpoint, supporting Takashi might be beneficial, but nothing in this world is 100%.

Even if Takashi seems interested for now, there’s always a chance he could turn away.

“An Yeong-ho is unnecessary too.”

An Yeong-ho, who is receiving full support from the Rikou Guild, is also excluded.

Since his uncle, Suzuki Fumiya, is solidly backing him, there’s no need to provide him with an additional path.

“Jeon Se-hyuk and Ban Se-young are…”

It’s true that I’ve developed quite a connection with the two of them.

However, it’s hard to see them as perfect partners in destiny, and Ban Se-young lacks many qualities as a gunner.

If I were to support a gunner, Ayane would be a better choice.

Of course, her level of trust is shallower than Takashi’s, so for now, she’s just a business partner at best.

“Dong-jae is the better option.”

In conclusion, there’s only one person left.

Park Dong-jae.

While many places have sought out Park Dong-jae, few have truly appreciated his worth.

It’s not like Park Dong-jae is lacking in opportunities to make money. After all, even in hell, they say capable buffers are sought after.

The problem is his growth.

For a buffer to continue growing, it’s best to belong to a small, elite team.

This is because experience points are distributed more generously in such setups, yet most of the teams seeking Park Dong-jae have been large.

The more members there are, the greater the total power amplified by his buffs.

Moreover, if you’re paying to bring in an external buffer, having more participants does justify the expense.

Although Park Dong-jae has gone without complaint wherever he’s been sent, his growth has undoubtedly suffered.

Being with Park Dong-jae allows for 2-in-1 gameplay, which has always been convenient from Kang-hoo’s perspective.

There’s no need to issue extra orders while maximizing combat effectiveness at the same time.

Having made up his mind, Kang-hoo immediately called Park Dong-jae.

Somehow, he expected him not to answer, assuming he was in a dungeon, but surprisingly, Dong-jae answered instantly.

-Hyung?

“You answered the phone.”

-Did you install CCTV somewhere? How’d you know I just came out?

“Looks like you just got out of a dungeon?”

-Exactly! I just got out and was about to check my phone for any messages when you called!

“Perfect timing, then.”

-What’s up, hyung?

“There’s a dungeon I want to visit with you…”

-I’m in! Where is it? Just tell me where to go with you!“

Even before listening to the full details, Dong-jae eagerly expressed his willingness to join. Did he even know what kind of dungeon it was to be so certain?

“Norway.”

-I’m in! Finally, I get to go with you again! You know, I always leave a day free after every dungeon trip.

“Why’s that?”

-Why else? In case you call to ask me to go somewhere, I always keep my schedule open.

“…….”

That, I didn’t know.

While I knew he prioritized plans or promises involving me, I hadn’t realized he prepared to this extent.

-It’s easiest going to dungeons with you. Sure, just being a buff shuttle gets tiring, but it’s worth it.

“Won’t you be even more exhausted working with me?”

-I feel less tired when I use my brain. Plus, working with you sharpens my focus. It’s also fun for me to strategize how to set up the buff field.

–

Even though they weren’t face-to-face, Kang-hoo could clearly sense Dong-jae’s excitement in his voice and expressions.

Kang-hoo also enjoyed working with Dong-jae because having constant buffs made fighting to the limit more exhilarating.

Since both were satisfied with their teamwork, the conversation naturally picked up speed.

After sharing brief information about the dungeon he planned to visit, Dong-jae eagerly asked for the meeting details.

Having already arranged the necessary agreements through the Groo Guild, there was no reason to delay.

The meeting spot was set.

Since they’d have to catch an international flight to Norway, Incheon Airport was the obvious choice.

Both Kang-hoo and Dong-jae would need to head to Seoul first, where they would meet.

Kang-hoo and Dong-jae met at a bus terminal convenient for catching an airport limousine to Incheon Airport.

They had already shared relevant materials beforehand, enabling them to discuss matters immediately upon meeting.

The shared information, however, was only publicly available details, which were of little use to Kang-hoo.

Moreover, this dungeon had far too many internal routes, rendering specific strategies somewhat meaningless.

Only publicly approved routes were revealed.

The truly beneficial information had been intentionally hidden.

From the perspective of the dungeon-owning guild, which had no reason to help competitors, this selective information sharing was natural.

Kang-hoo planned to use the highly profitable route he had originally designed.

Honestly, it was cheating.

However, explaining everything to Dong-jae would be too suspicious, so he kept it vague.

He claimed he had obtained premium information through a connection, suggesting there were great opportunities for profit within.

He refrained from specifying what they might gain since it would be odd to know such details unless one could see the future.

Still, Park Dong-jae’s expression after hearing everything seemed a bit strange. Was it an uneasy feeling?

Kang-hoo asked.

“Why that face? Are you feeling unwell?”

“No, it’s not that. Hyung, is it really okay for me to receive such undeserved care and benefits?”

“Ah.”

Only then did Kang-hoo realize the meaning behind Dong-jae’s expression.

He felt guilty for seemingly receiving more care and help than necessary. Truly, he had a pure heart.

“You always seem to take maximum care of me, hyung. But I feel like I can’t give back as much in return. That’s why I feel guilty.”

“I get where you’re coming from. But instead of thinking negatively, why not just work harder together to make it worth it?”

“That makes sense.”

“Don’t stop at feeling guilty for being indebted. Instead, think, ‘Since I’m indebted, I should repay it properly.’”

“That’s a good point, hyung.”

“Do you think the other person is helping you because they want you to feel guilty? Consider their intentions instead of just your own feelings.”

“Got it. I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Also, to be honest, I enjoy being at the center of battles and prefer moving alone.”

“That, I know well.”

“But you’re the kind of buffer who, while being by my side, feels like you’re not even there. At the same time, you make me shine brighter than I ever could alone.”

“…….”

“I believe in your talent and value you highly. That’s why I want to see you go far and last long.”

“Wow…”

Before long, Dong-jae’s eyes reddened, and then his face flushed as he began shedding tears.

Though it didn’t seem like particularly tear-jerking words, they must have struck a chord with him.

It wasn’t embarrassing.

If anything, it made Kang-hoo envious.

It felt like he lacked the pure heart capable of being moved to such emotion.

“That’s why I’m ‘investing’ in you. I’ll ensure your value grows and pay dividends in full—that’s my plan.”

For a while, Dong-jae couldn’t speak.

Considering everything Dong-jae had said before, it seemed that while many sought him out as a buffer, he had never received such direct and heartfelt feedback.

Of course, Kang-hoo was sincere, and Dong-jae felt that sincerity, which probably stirred his emotions.

Wiping his tears with both hands, Dong-jae finally replied.

“I’ll repay you with my life for the time you saved me, hyung! Somehow, I’ll make sure I pay you back!”

“Don’t start planting death flags. Saying you’ll repay with your life or protect me even in death—throw all that talk out the window.”

Kang-hoo frowned.

In the original work, many such death flags were set for supporting characters who were meant to die.

That’s why Dong-jae’s words hit a nerve. He must not die. He needed to live and contribute.

“Yeah, you’re right! Instead of repaying with my life, I’ll live long and keep buff-shuttling for you, hyung. Right?”

“Exactly. Plant survival flags instead.”

“Got it! By the way, I’m super nervous. I’ve never been to Europe.”

“Same here.”

Kang-hoo laughed.

Norway was a place he had only ever seen on travel shows—he had never been there in person.

He was curious.

Currently, South Korea was in a state of unpredictable chaos.

Would other countries be the same?

Since the journey was to a country not deeply explored in the original work, he felt a mix of anticipation and excitement.

In any case, the priority was to seize the opportunity tied to Jang Si-hwan and Chae Gwanhyeong. That time had come.

The departure process went smoothly.

Thanks to the Groo Guild’s generosity, the two were assigned first-class seats, making for a comfortable start to their journey.

Before departing, Kang-hoo had a conversation with the Groo Guild.

He suggested that when he eventually took on the dungeon raid requested by the Groo Guild, they include Dong-jae as part of the team.

From the Groo Guild’s perspective, there was no reason to refuse a rare and highly sought-after buffer, even at a cost. They immediately agreed, adding another plan to Kang-hoo and Dong-jae’s schedule.

Since there were few passengers taking direct flights to Norway, the two of them were the only ones in the first-class cabin.

This allowed them to eat their in-flight meals comfortably and have open conversations.

If there had been more passengers, they might have been more reserved, but apart from the flight attendants, they had the space to themselves.

Kang-hoo caught up on what had been going on with Dong-jae. He was undoubtedly well-connected, with many groups seeking him out.

Even though they hadn’t met directly for some time, Dong-jae had pieced together all publicly available or uncovered information about Kang-hoo’s movements.

Naturally, he had shared information with Jeon Se-hyuk and Ban Se-young, and thus knew about Kang-hoo killing Go Kyung-ho.

“Hyung.”

“What?”

“Your every move is so cool and amazing, but honestly, I worry about you a lot.”

“Is there anyone you don’t worry about?”

“I don’t worry about Se-hyuk hyung or Se-young noona. They’ve got solid backers and more support than you’d think.”

“I know that.”

“But you move entirely on your own. Even though you collaborate strategically, you don’t rely on anyone with life-or-death trust.”

“Fair point.”

“That’s what worries me. Up until now, you’ve always been perfectly prepared and capable, but if something unpredictable happens, you won’t have anyone to protect you.”

Dong-jae had pointed out one of Kang-hoo’s characteristics and weaknesses: his inherent isolation.

And he wasn’t wrong.