“The Dominators are divided into two major responsibilities, the North and the South. Comfortably, we call the North ‘Owls’ and the South ‘Eagles.'”

The Jeep was rumbling through the mountains.

Although there were no roads, it seemed like spaces for vehicles to pass through and some kind of map were prepared. Sky-blue markings were placed on the trees at regular intervals.

“Eagles and owls?”

“Yes, because they are Dominators. Ares is in charge of the South, and Athena is in charge of the North. Our dedicated Avatar is Athena, right? So, I guess that’s how it was matched.”

In response to Kang Ihyeon’s question, Lee Jisung explained as he turned the steering wheel.

‘Originally, upon entering, you should receive about an hour of this kind of education, but it seems there won’t be time for that with Mr. Kang Ihyeon joining, so I’ll explain on the way to the base camp.’

Before departure, this was the situation when he mentioned that he would explain during the journey to the base camp.

“Eagles take care of what is commonly referred to under the guild leader as… tasks that ‘don’t pay well.’ Owls manage things on this side, centered around the dedicated Avatar, to prevent the gates from becoming larger.”

Upon hearing the word ‘dedicated Avatar,’ Rood’s fist almost tightened. It was because the ‘fox’ who had even identified the pill bottle in his coat pocket seemed to quickly realize.

As if to prove his words, Lee Jisung was staring intently at himself through the rearview mirror.

Without diverting the gaze that Lee Jisung had fixed on Rood, he spoke again.
“Originally, the reserve army training that the country entrusts to external contractors is the responsibility of the South. This area deals with national secrets, you know.”

“Why are individual civilian workers managing it instead of soldiers if it’s a national secret?”

In response to Rood’s sharp question, Lee Jisung chuckled and explained, “Originally, soldiers weren’t stationed in border areas. Before the gates started bursting, it was a ceasefire state. But now, it’s almost like urging to fight if we maintain soldiers. However, since this area is a significant gold mine, it needs to be protected. So, instead, they established a public enterprise.”

Therefore, although we actually perform duties similar to soldiers, the treatment is entirely different. There are complaints like signing confidentiality agreements, being monitored, and feeling disappointed. Rood raised his eyebrows and asked, “A significant gold mine?”

“Ha~ Geez. Even if the top-ranked person doesn’t know, you really don’t know. These days, kids believe only what they see, right? Here, it’s overflowing with gates. So, what else could it be?”

Overflowing with gates. Rood’s eyes widened as he contemplated. The fact that gates are overflowing means that the resources inside are overflowing. Managing that means…

In other words, it meant managing the resources that could come out of this space.

“You know that our country is an energy powerhouse, right? All the way from here, we extract mana stones and resources and send them down. Can you think of another country like this?”
“Come to think of it, it feels like something I learned in modern history class…”

Nari was constantly dozing off during high school classes, but with that comment, Lee Jisung casually tapped the radio in the front of the jeep.

“Owl 2 returning. Entering the barrier. Requesting entry permission.”

Simultaneously, a blue mana stone barrier appeared in front of the jeep, which was running through the forest.

Vroom, as the space opened enough for just one car to pass, the jeep entered again with a light-hearted sound.

The base camp, converted from a school. Hunters stared at the jeep with cold eyes as they sent signals.

Turning back after parking on the playground, Lee Jisung looked at Rood and Kang Ihyun.

“Now, from now on, this is your base camp. Since I’m the commander here, you absolutely cannot leave without permission. Understood?”

“Yes.”

“…Yes.”

“Our guys will guide you. Once you rest in that room over there, we’ll summon you at an appropriate time. Go and unpack your things.”

Lee Jisung abruptly opened the driver’s side door, addressing the surrounding hunters.

Two guns crossing a shield. As the hunters with the symbol of the War God nodded, the rear seat’s door opened.

“Please step out.”

“Rood, be careful.”

“Oh, yeah.”

As he looked around while getting out of the jeep, the wind almost made him stumble, but Lee Hyun caught him in time.
Rood annoyingly pressed his eyes a few times. As he looked around, a somewhat different desolate atmosphere was felt compared to a moment ago.

Controlled clothing with the same mark, stern expressions and tone, a base camp made by remodeling a school almost in ruins. An unmanaged natural environment, occasional roars of monsters heard from afar. Even the internet doesn’t work here.

He had covered a space that was not much in a straight line distance, yet the atmosphere was so different.