Crash!

Seol heard the noise of someone falling over, and then, a small commotion rose up from behind him.

He took a look, and immediately, his eyes widened in surprise.

The first two things entering his view were a chair and Hyun Sahng-Min falling and rolling on the ground. Then, he saw Shin Sahng-Ah and Yun Seo-Rah standing up from their seats in utter shock. And in front of them, four men giggling in an unsightly manner.

What are you doing?! (Yi Surl-Ah)

Dont! Get back! (Hyun Sahng-Min)

Just as Yi Surl-Ah was about to step out, Hyun Sahng-Min shouted at her from the ground.

Son of a b*tch. This is really humiliating Kkeuk! (Hyun Sahng-Min)

The leader of the group then kicked Hyun Sahng-Mins midriff as the latter tried to push himself up. Hyun Sahng-Min fell and rolled on the ground again.

Huh, you think this is embarrassing, eh?

The leader spoke with a mocking voice, before tapping on Hyun Sahng-Mins chin with his foot.

So, you know all about humiliation, huh. Why didnt you quietly offer your apology when I asked you nicely, in that case? Youd have avoided all this humiliation in the first place. Dont you think so, amigo?

Seol stood up from his seat while deeply frowning.

Oh Min-Young? (Seol)

He saw Oh Min-Young sticking very close to one of the men, a burly guy, and cackling like a villain while looking on at what was happening. Her arms across her chest and a gloating expression etched on her face, too.

I do feel sorry for you since you look like a worm and all, so Ill give you one more chance. Apologise to those two. Hurry up.

.

I also dont want to do this. But you see, me, or my brothers, cant really hold ourselves back when someone does bad things to us.

The leaders words caused the burly guy to giggle derisively.

You apologise from the bottom of your heart, and then Ill forget all about todays matter.

Hyun Sahng-Min began gritting his teeth.

What the f*ck. You the guy who invited that b*stard? (Hyun Sahng-Min)

What if I am?

What a godd*mn joke. A guy with a big-a*s physique prattling on like a little girl. You think youre the only Inviter around here? (Hyun Sahng-Min)

Ohh! Thats right, youre also an Invited. I forgot.

Rather than sounding like he had genuinely forgotten about it, the leader acted as if he couldnt care any less.

But, have you ever thought about this before?

Only allowed on Creativenovels.com

The leader squatted low to the ground and met Hyun Sahng-Mins eyes.

Its not that your Inviter is running late, its just him not deciding to show up in the first place.

What? (Hyun Sahng-Min)

You asking me why? Because, he could also get humiliated if he tries to step forward like a fool, you see.

The leaders husky voice gradually became lower. The knife scar on his cheek wiggled slightly as he grinned, his yellowing teeth revealed to the world as he did so.

Youd do well to remember. Never take us Cartel boys lightly. Not every Bronze marks are equal, get my drift?

Suddenly, another commotion unfolded behind the leader. When he looked behind him, he found a youth busy pushing past his underlings to come closer.

Oh?

The leaders eyes opened wider as he stood back up.

Its you.

The leader raised his hand and waved away his boys as they tried to intervene.

What is going on here? (Seol)

Seols cold voice caused the leader to form an interesting facial expression.

What a surprise. Not even another Inviter, but the Rookie himself steps forward.

A Rookie? (Seol)

Mm. Now that I take a look at you, you do kinda look like a player.

Seol continued to glare at the leader. The latter man raised his hands in a shrugging gesture and began speaking in a jovial tone.

Oh, this? Its nothing. My little brother over there, he suffered a lot at the hands of this guy here, or so Im told. Thats why Im just repaying the favour.

You should stop. (Seol)

Hmm? Is there a reason why I should? Im just paying back whats owed and theres nothing wrong with that.

Miss Cinzia said so already. Let the matters of the Neutral Zone be bygones. (Seol)

Cinzia? Ohh. Thats just some random b*tch spewing c**p. We are very sensitive towards the matters of our brothers, you see. Havent you heard, blood is thicker than water?

Seols brows quivered slightly. Did this guy really call Cinzia, a boss from an organisation that possesses a great deal of influence in the South, a b*tch?

There were only two explanations for this. Either this guy was a brave idiot, or the organisation backing him was as big as Cinzias.

This isnt a matter that an Inviter such as yourself should get involved with. (Seol)

I dont agree with that notion at all. Besides, technically, the Neutral Zone also exists as a part of the Paradise, am I right? Or, am I wrong?

The leader looked around him and asked, prompting his underlings to guffaw out, including the burly guy and Oh Min-Young. She laughed so hard, she might choke on her own spit at that rate.

The joke wasnt even all that funny to begin with, but she mustve been laughing hard just to spite the others. What a disgusting sight it was.

Okay. Now, if youre done, Id like the third wheel to go away. I still have things to do.

Im not the third wheel. (Seol)

The leader dusted his hands and turned around, only to come to a standstill.

What did you say?

I asked Hyun Sahng-Min for the favour. (Seol)

Wait a minute. Wait, wait. Wait~~.

The leader raised his hands theatrically and suddenly raised a fuss before taking several large strides to get closer to Seol.

So, are you saying that you asked that man to torment my little brother? Is that it?

No, I didnt ask him to. (Seol)

Doesnt matter. You say you are related to this thing, right?

The leader took Seols silence as his tacit agreement and rubbed his hands together, before placing a hand on the youths shoulder.

Hey, man. This is me giving you my sincerest advice. Do you know what is the most important thing you gotta remember in the Paradise?

.

Its what you say, man. Your words. You gotta watch your mouth around this place.

The leader lightly tapped on his lips and continued to speak.

I will ask you again, so think long and hard before answering, okay? Doesnt matter what your story is, you said youre not the third wheel in this mess, didnt you?

I already told you that. (Seol)

When Seol replied without hesitation, a huge grin formed on the face of the leader.

Okay. Ok~ay! So, thats how it was. In that case, our story changes a bit.

The leader became so happy, he even began lightly humming in pure joy as well.

I thought I might get a Bronze Mark as a stooge or something, but now. A real, bona fide Gold Mark just rolled into my lap. Heh!

Then, he sat down on one of the empty chairs and beckoned Seol. Hyun Sahng-Min was already long gone from his thought process, it seemed.

Take a seat. Let me listen to your story. While we eat, no?

The leader began shoving food found on the table down his mouth. Seol quietly stared at him, sensing that something wasnt quite right. The way his attitude had changed was one thing, and there was that oily smile of his, too.

What are you doing, Rookie? I told you to sit down.

More importantly, Seol didnt like the way this guy was acting, as if he knew something about the youth.

Seol took a glance at Hyun Sahng-Min, still pinned to the ground. The grinning burly guy was pushing down on him with a foot. Oh Min-Young was to his side, her foot stepping on Hyun Sahng-Mins hand, also carrying a distorted smile on her face.

And why is she enjoying this so much? (Seol)

Seol couldnt really understand it, but he knew he couldnt do anything at the moment. As long as Hyun Sahng-Min was held captive, he couldnt make a rash move.

In the end, he sat down on the opposite side to the leader.

Very good. Oh, wheres my manners? I havent introduced myself yet, right? Names Salcido. Olivier Salcido.

Salcido reached out with his hand.

And when Seol also reached out and grabbed the offered hand.

!!

Suddenly, he was greeted with pain as his hand was being gripped really tightly. Seol hurriedly injected some strength in his hand. Salcido simply gripped even tighter as if he didnt even find it challenging enough to care.

Very nice to meet you. Whats your name, by the way? (Salcido)

Keuk.

I said, whats your name, eh? Ehehehe. (Salcido)

Just before he cried out, Seol instinctively circulated his Magic Power. The energy rapidly coursed through his internal Circuit, flowed through his right arm, and arrived at his right hand.

Oh?

However, Salcido was an Earthling who had stayed in the Paradise for over a year and a half already. He quickly sensed the change and activated his own Magic Power. His initial plan was to break this new kids spirit, but he also believed that hed never lose to a complete newbie who didnt know anything.

That was how it was supposed to be.

But then

Wha, what? (Salcido)

Salcido gasped out in shock. Not only his own energy was being rapidly extinguished, Seols aura was growing bigger and bigger at a frightening rate.

Not only the amount, but I even lose to the flows speed, too?! (Salcido)

Logically, such a thing was completely impossible.

In the blink of an eye, the situation had reversed. Salcido began sweating buckets as the pressure on his hand grew more and more.

Eee.. Eeek! (Salcido)

He couldnt even say anything out aloud since he had his reputation to worry about. Meanwhile, Seol simply stared at the deeply frowning Salcido with an expressionless face.

It was then, the others sensed that something was off. It was unimaginable for a Level 3 Earthling to lose to a youth who was still only at Level 1, but seeing Salcidos complexion turn for the worse, they suspected something did go wrong somewhere.

Two of the goons accompanying Salcido secretly exchanged signals and nodded their heads. One of them tried to sneak up on Seol, only for his steps to come to a halt after someone grabbed his shoulder.

Hello there, friends. (Hao Win)

It was none other than Hao Win.

Who the f*ck are you?

Im a friend of that friend, lets put it like that. (Hao Win)

Is that right? Why dont you remove your hand first, unless you dont want to live anymore?

Ohh, so scary. But, I cant do that. (Hao Win)

Hearing Hao Wins playful tone, the mans eyes narrowed to a slit.

.You an Invited?

Correct answer. (Hao Win)

Whatever. You should know when to quit, if you know whats good for you. Youll regret it when you find out who we are.

Maybe. But I dont know who you small fries are. But then. (Hao Win)

Hao Win grinned and let off a thin wisp of air. Just as he placed his head near the mans ear.

There was a loud noise of a table being pushed aside.

Salcido couldnt hold back anymore and shoved the table upwards, using that momentary confusion to break free from Seols grasp.

You son of a w***e! (Salcido)

Salcido succeeded in pulling his hand back, and he shouted out loudly. However.

Slam!!

Seol got to witness the following: the legs of the unsteady table planting back down to the ground, Salcidos face slamming into the tables surface, and a high heel forcing the hapless Cartel mans head into the wooden surface from the back of his head.

You finished your breakfast yet? (Kim Hahn-Nah)

The voice sounded familiar. Seol confirmed her long legs, as well as the grey H-line business womans skirt, and raised his head immediately.

And he saw Kim Hahn-Nah retracting her leg and placing her hands on her waist.

Kkeuh. W, which motherf*cker did that.? (Salcido)

Salcido frowned deeply and lifted his head with much difficulty.

Oh, you havent? Wanna eat some more? (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Unfortunately for him, Kim Hahn-Nah reached out faster than a streak of lightning and slammed his face down on the plate of food one more time.

*SFX for plates shattering into pieces*

The impact was great enough for the plate to shatter.

The banquet area soon fell into utter silence as the new entrant to the banquet made her presence known.

The burly guy pressing down on Hyun Sahng-Min stood there blinking his eyes in shock. The mid-boss Salcido was taken care of in one breath, and two of his older brothers were being held back by Hao Win as well.

The burly man couldnt figure out what was going on, but he also realised that he shouldnt be standing there doing nothing.

You crazy b*tch!!

So, the burly man tried to hit Kim Hahn-Nah with his fist, but

*Two SFXs for a knife flying in the air, then something exploding*

A spinning dagger flew from somewhere and the burly mans fist exploded into a gory mess, instead.

Uwaaaahk?!

Salcidos entire body shuddered as he watched the burly man fall to the ground. He managed to move his face to the side and found the woman wearing the business suit pressing his head down to the table. He sucked in his breath after confirming who it was.

Kim. Kim Hahn-Nah! (Salcido)

Hi~. Been a while, no? (Kim Hahn-Nah)

She finally released his head and grinned widely. She walked around the table and sat down next to Seol. She then rested her chin on her hand and leisurely stared at Salcido.

Youre still up to your old tricks, arent you? (Kim Hahn-Nah)

What did you say? (Salcido)

How brave of you. Just whose Invited were you trying to steal away? (Kim Hahn-Nah)

.Ive no idea what youre talking about. (Salcido)

Salcido managed to raise his upper torso up, but he was still shuddering noticeably.

I was only. (Salcido)

Ahhh, so youre trying to imply that youve been wronged here unfairly, is that it? (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Kim Hahn-Nah snorted briefly and cut short this conversation.

My bad. Okay, so. Its all sorted now, so go on. Get lost. (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Kim Hahn-Nah dismissively waved her hand about. Salcido just stood there and gnashed his teeth while glaring daggers at her.

However, what was going on here?

Salcido, who was so full of himself only a minute ago, didnt dare to utter a word of defiance in front of her.

.Ill be going then. (Salcido)

Good idea. (Kim Hahn-Nah)

But, well see each other soon enough. Im thinking, well have a chance to meet again pretty soon. (Salcido)

Salcido pushed himself up unsteadily to his feet.

Unfortunately for him, Kim Hahn-Nah didnt plan to let him off that easily.

Stop, What did you just say to me? (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Her cold, sharp voice entered his ears, but Salcido ignored her and continued to walk away.

Kim Hahn-Nah grinned and beckoned with her finger.

Shin Hahn-Sung? (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Yes, noonim. (Shin Hahn-Sung) (TL: noonim = noona + nim)

If that f*cker doesnt stop in three steps, gift him with a new breathing hole by his temples, okay? (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Understood. (Shin Hahn-Sung)

A man with curling hair, Shin Hahn-Sung replied while spinning a dagger around, before taking on an attacking posture. Salcidos steps came to a halt, then.

You godd*mn fox of a woman! Are you insisting on doing this? (Salcido)

You said it yourself, didnt you? But, theres no reason to drag this out, is there? Lets just end it here. (Kim Hahn-Nah)

.

Why are you suddenly imitating a mute as*hole now? Werent you planning to go on a war with us? Wasnt that it? (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Flinch.

Salcido shuddered after receiving her cold, hard stare and lowered his gaze.

Uhm. I made a mistake just now. I had no such intentions. I shall apologise. (Salcido)

You shall? Since when were you on the same social standing as me? Did you forget your brain somewhere or something? (Kim Hahn-Nah)

I, I apologise. (Salcido)

Still forgetting something, havent you? (Kim Hahn-Nah)

.I apologise, maam. (Salcido)

Hng~. Kim Hahn-Nah let out a soft snort and shrugged her shoulders.

Okay, fine. But, you werent planning to leave just like that, were you? (Kim Hahn-Nah)

T, that is. (Salcido)

I mean, you should take responsibilities before leaving, no? Youve got zero manners, you know? Its because of people like you that your Cartel is saddled with such rotten reputation, dont you understand that? (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Kim Hahn-Nahs pointed criticism caused Salcidos brows to prick up in anger.

Better lower your gaze or else. (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Of course, he ended up lowering his head again.

So, how should we go about fixing this mess? (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Kim Hahn-Nah mumbled to herself before shifting her gaze over to the burly man rolling on the ground, clutching his bleeding stump of an arm. She even pretended to be seriously deliberating on something.

Okay. You can leave, but not with him. You understand why, dont you? (Kim Hahn-Nah)

.

You did interfere first while mouthing some c**p about Neutral Zone this and that. Im just going to reciprocate that. (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Bu, but! (Salcido)

If youve got a complaint, lodge it to Sinyoung directly, okay? (Kim Hahn-Nah)

As soon as she mentioned Sinyoung, Salcidos expression looked as if he just saw the scariest demon in his imagination.

Sin, Sinyoung? (Salcido)

But, of course. Im here because of Sinyoungs directive, after all. Since were here now, I might as well fix your uncouth manners, too. (Kim Hahn-Nah)

I. I understand, in that case. (Salcido)

B, bro?!

The burly mans tear and snot-stained face became frozen in shock. Salcido did his best to avoid meeting that painful gaze.

Fine. All sorted, so you can leave now. (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Bro! Brother!

The burly man called out in desperation, but Salcido hurriedly left the banquet area along with his goons. It was as if he was making a bid for his freedom with his life on the line.

And then. you. (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Kim Hahn-Nahs next target was Oh Min-Young. When the attention landed on her all of a sudden, Oh Min-Young began retreating several steps.

Is anyone among you in a contract with her? If youre here, then I want to talk to you. (Kim Hahn-Nah)

When Kim Hahn-Nah asked while sweeping her gaze around the crowd, a smart-looking man hurriedly ran up to her side.

Youre the one? (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Y, yes, maam.

That woman named Oh Min-Young, Id like you to leave her to me. Im sure you have some ideas as to why? (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Y, yes, maam. I got a call this morning.

The smart-looking man nodded his head repeatedly.

Is that so? Well, we wouldnt really do something like this, but my company president is very unhappy at the moment, you see? (Kim Hahn-Nah)

I completely understand. Shes his daughter, after all.

Very good. Ill explain to her about the cancellation of her contract so you can leave now. As it was promised to you, you will receive a suitable compensation soon. (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Yes, maam. Thank you very much.

The smart-looking man bowed his waist 90 degrees, before disappearing like the wind from the area.

Whew~.

Kim Hahn-Nah let off a soft sigh, then locked her arm with Seols.

Sorry. Am I a bit late? (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Looking at her wink like that, Seol forgot all about closing his slack jaw.

The Sinyoung Pharmaceuticals.

Kim Hahn-Nah, the department head.

Those two facts were the only things Seol knew about her until now.

But, after witnessing her sort out the situation in the proverbial blink of an eye, Seol got to figure out just a little bit more about the position Kim Hahn-Nah occupied in the Lost Paradise.

< 39. Miss Foxy (2) > Fin.