6

FANG

Minions?

That was Haein’s first guess upon seeing the shadow soldiers, but there were too many of them to be considered minions. Mage hunters with the ability to control minions were generally only able to command one at a time, and if a hunter could summon two, they were thought to be of the highest caliber. She wasn’t aware of any summoner who could control three.

And yet how many minions were there?

Unbelievable!

One person had summoned over a hundred. It hadn’t taken him long, either. He’d called up several dozen minions at once.

I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes.

She was Haein Cha, one of the top ten hunters in Korea, and she was blown away by his abilities. In any case…

There’s no time for this.

She looked past the shadow soldiers to the strike squad. They appeared to be in trouble. A few of them sat on the ground as if their legs had given out. Regardless of who Jinwoo was or what he was capable of, helping him with the orcs was her top priority.

Think quick and move fast. Adjusting the grip on her weapon with both hands, Haein took a step forward. But then…

She made eye contact with Jinwoo. The message in his eyes was clear. He didn’t need her help. Don’t get in the way and just observe.

She couldn’t understand.

Why……?

She knew that Jinwoo could control an entire battalion, but there were almost as many high orcs, not to mention their more powerful boss, to contend with. Plus, if Jinwoo had summoned and was orchestrating such a large force simultaneously, his mana had to be very low, if not completely depleted.

How is he going to do this all alone?

Haein was puzzled but willingly lowered her weapon. It wasn’t just because all she had at her disposal was a pickax borrowed from the excavation team. She genuinely wanted to see what Hunter Jinwoo Sung had planned against the remaining orcs.

Her expectations were high. Her faith in him won out over any logical judgment. Her heart was strangely aflutter.

Whew. That was close.

Jinwoo breathed a sigh of relief at Haein’s decision. This was just the beginning, and he didn’t need any interruptions. He had intentionally let the boss beat Kihoon to within an inch of his life for the sole purpose of taking on all the magic beasts by himself.

Kihoon’s the type to fight until his dying breath.

Thus, Jinwoo had fought hard against the urge to rip apart that damn shaman and made his move only after the sword finally dropped from Kihoon’s hand.

It was all for this moment.

She’s got a good sense for things.

Jinwoo was glad Haein had caught on quickly. She’d stood down without argument.

He smiled and turned.

“My shadows!” His voice echoed throughout the dungeon, and at his command, every single soldier fell back into battle stances.

Tmp!

For a moment, a blanket of quiet settled over the area.

Finally, Jinwoo pointed at the shaman and broke the silence. “Go.”

Over a hundred shadow soldiers stampeded toward the trembling high orc warriors.

Thud, thud, thud, thud!

The ground, the cave, and the eyes of those watching all shook as the soldiers charged.

Jinchul dashed through the dungeon as fast as he could.

“Huff, huff, huff!” His breathing was labored from running. Once he caught his breath, he straightened up and saw a woman with short hair standing at the entrance of the boss’s lair.

He recognized her at once.

Haein Cha……

Was there any other female hunter with that formidable a presence?

But what is she doing just standing there?

Thinking it strange that she wasn’t joining the fight, he approached her. As he did, he was finally able to take in the scene inside the lair.

“Wh-what is…?”

Soldiers in black armor were slaughtering the high orcs.

“G-graaahhh!”

“Gah!”

“Guuuuh!”

Jinchul’s ears rang from their screams. It might have been less shocking had there been only humanoid soldiers, but one of them was rather large for a person, quite a few were black bears that seemed to be giving off smoke, and there also seemed to be several high orcs clad in black armor.

“Long time no see, Manager Woo.”

“Oh, yes. It’s been a while. Do you know what those things are? They don’t look like magic beasts……”

“They’re minions summoned by that man.” Haein pointed out Jinwoo in the fray.

Jinchul took off his sunglasses and watched Jinwoo fight among his soldiers. He was using two daggers to break through the crowd of orcs.

The more I watch him, the more he appears to be a high-level brawler.

Yet, he seemed capable of using summoning magic as well. Jinchul’s theory was proven right as Jinwoo’s lips moved and a few dozen more minions spawned from the ground.

“Good heavens!” Jinchul’s jaw dropped.

How many was Jinwoo able to produce?

If this is Hunter Sung’s ability…

Jinchul couldn’t close his mouth. Had President Go already recognized this talent in Jinwoo? If so, Jinchul understood President Go’s keen interest in him.

Haein eventually tore her eyes away from Jinwoo to question Jinchul. “May I ask what you’re doing here, Manager Woo…? Was the Surveillance Team already contacted by our guild?”

Jinchul worked to conceal his shock from Haein. “No, we happened to be nearby and detected abnormal activity from this gate, so we wanted to evacuate the strike squad…”

Jinchul turned his attention back to Jinwoo. “But I guess we didn’t need to.”

He was witnessing Jinwoo’s abilities for the first time. The hunter was clearing an A-rank dungeon all by himself. The man didn’t need anyone’s help.

“Yes. I think it’s best if we stay out of the way,” Haein agreed.

There was no room for anyone else in this fight, not even an S-rank hunter.

“Do you know him?” Haein asked.

Jinchul had asked about Jinwoo’s ability, not his identity. Jinchul was also a member of the association, which was currently keeping information regarding Jinwoo under lock and key.

Maybe Manager Woo knows something about him?

Haein was correct.

“I know a little bit.”

“Who… Who exactly is he?”

Jinchul put his sunglasses back on. “I’m afraid that’s classified information.”

The shaman was enraged. When it had first spawned in this place, there had been but a single command in its mind.

“Hunt humans!”

But look at what had become of them. For a mere human to destroy its whole tribe? That wasn’t possible. No, that must not be possible.

As the shaman watched its warriors being slaughtered, its eyes began glowing red.

Damn insects! I’ll stomp on you all!

If its curses wouldn’t work on the enemy, then it would have to face them after blessing itself.

“Song of Rage! Song of Strength! Song of Giants! Song of Dragon Fire!” With the spells cast, the shaman grew until it was close to ten meters tall. Vigor flowed through its body as its strength, agility, stamina, and confidence all shot up. Soon, the shaman was swiping away shadow soldiers with its huge arms. It then took a deep breath and…

Fwwwoooo!

The shaman spewed out a blackish-red flame.

Fwooshhh!

The dragon fire vaporized enemies in the blink of an eye. No soldier touched by the flames was spared. If they didn’t lose their whole body, they were unable to fight because a limb had disintegrated. A second blast of fire immediately followed the first.

Seeing its attacks mowing down so many soldiers, the shaman roared confidently. “Do you still think I, Kargalgan, am no match for you?!”

The answer came from above its head.

“Yup.”

Startled, the shaman hastily erected a shielding spell as it looked up, but Jinwoo was faster. He punched the top of the beast’s skull.

Wham!

Krak!

The shaman’s head slammed into the ground. It left a spiderweb of cracks in the cave floor. Jinwoo already had experience in literally sending someone flying with his bare fist—he’d knocked off Vulcan’s, who’d been much bigger than the shaman.

Tmp.

As soon as Jinwoo landed lightly on the ground, he got a couple of consecutive messages containing good news.

Ping!

“Hell yeah!” Jinwoo pumped his fist. He’d leveled up once when fighting with the Stealth skill activated, once when clearing the high orcs in the lair, and one final time when defeating the boss. He’d leveled up three times for clearing this A-rank dungeon. This result was beyond his expectations.

He felt grateful to Yoonsuk for offering him another job today.

Awesome.

Jinwoo cheerfully made his way over to the boss. The shaman’s body, which had been enlarged using magic, was now back to its original size. Jinwoo noted the sizable essence stone lodged in the necklace around its neck but had no desire to keep it.

I’ve already gotten all these experience points.

This was the Hunters Guild’s dungeon. If he needed an essence stone from an A-rank dungeon, he could get one from a location he himself had acquired legally. Jinwoo was actually after something else—the black smoke emerging from the shaman’s body.

Gulp.

Jinwoo swallowed anxiously. His mind flashed back to how he’d failed at extracting Barca’s shadow in the red gate.

But I’ve changed since then.

Back then, it hadn’t been easy defeating Barca because he hadn’t had much experience. He’d struggled even with the assistants from the knight ranks, Igris and Iron. However, he’d finished off the shaman easily.

It was the result of the week he’d spent in the Demon’s Castle. This proved that enduring those grueling seven days had been worth it.

Jinwoo uttered the command to the billowing black smoke. “Arise.”

He felt a chilly breeze sting his cheeks and instinctively knew that it had worked.

Success!

A smile blossomed on his lips.

Graaaaaaaahhh!

A hooded mage burst forth from the shaman’s shadow with an ear-piercing shriek.

What?

Jinwoo sensed something peculiar had occurred and checked the mage’s info screen.

Elite knight?

Until now, he’d only ever seen three confirmed ranks for the shadow soldiers—regular, elite, and knight rank. This was the first time he’d met one that was an elite knight rank. Jinwoo surmised that this was a level higher than Igris and Iron’s knight rank.

This one’s magic power is definitely stronger than theirs.

It was appropriate for a shadow soldier born of a boss of an A-rank dungeon.

Ping!

Like before, the system requested he name the new soldier, as his rank was that of a knight or higher.

A name……

Although he couldn’t see them because the mage wore a hooded robe that covered most of his face, high orcs were known for their long fangs.

Fang it is.

With Jinwoo’s decision made, the name automatically registered with the system.

The name replaced the question marks. Considering how narcissistic the shaman had been right up until its death, it would have been absolutely aghast to hear its new moniker. Oh well. It was already dead anyway.

Jinwoo contently recalled his shadow soldiers. He could now store 130 shadows, but that unfortunately meant having to release the rest into the void.

I’ve done enough for today.

When he dropped down from the altar with a smile, many people swarmed around him, including the strike squad hunters, Haein, and some men in black. There was a familiar face among the men in suits.

When did Manager Woo get here?

Judging by the look on his face, Jinchul had also been witness to the shadow soldiers.

“Jinwoo.”

“Hunter Sung.”

“Mr. Luggage?”

Different people called out to Jinwoo at once, and they stopped to eye one another warily.

Since Jinwoo didn’t have to hide his powers any longer, he’d enjoyed being able to go all out, but……

How am I going to slip away from here?

Jinwoo scratched the back of his head as he glanced around at the people surrounding him.

Jinchul made the first move. While the others were busy sizing up the competition, he situated himself next to Jinwoo and presented his ID to the other hunters.

“I’m from the Association’s Surveillance Team.”

No matter their rank, the mere mention of the Surveillance Team made hunters nervous, so this was an effective strategy. Everyone from the Hunters Guild, with the exception of Haein, felt a flash of apprehension. Jinchul smoothly took advantage of the situation.

“The association is managing Hunter Jinwoo Sung’s case, so all matters relating to him are to be considered extremely confidential.”

Jinwoo was impressed by Jinchul’s acting. He was half-convinced that Jinchul had rehearsed these exact facial expressions and lines in front of a mirror, but he quickly picked up on what Jinchul was trying to do. In fact, Jinchul’s eyes sent a signal to Jinwoo.

I’ll help you out of here.

Jinwoo had no idea why the Surveillance Team was helping him, but he wasn’t about to look a gift horse in the mouth. He nodded. This was what he wanted anyway.

Jinchul’s subordinates caught on quickly and wasted no time encircling Jinwoo.

“If you have any questions, please submit them through the association. We will escort Hunter Jinwoo Sung out.”

It was heavily implied that Jinchul wouldn’t tolerate any opposition. His steely resolve rendered those from the Hunters Guild speechless, even though they had much to say to and ask Jinwoo.

“Please come with us.”

The Surveillance Team led Jinwoo past the other hunters.

I appreciate the help, but……

It all felt strange. Why was Jinchul doing him a favor he hadn’t asked for?

Jinwoo waited until they’d put some distance between themselves and the others before quietly asking, “Why are you suddenly helping me?”

“May I ask if you’re planning to join the Hunters Guild?”

Jinwoo shook his head.

Jinchul quickly gave his explanation without missing a beat, as if he’d already known Jinwoo’s answer.

“You just demonstrated that you possess powers higher than those of an S-rank hunter in front of members of the largest and richest guild in Korea. This was the best option if you want to avoid a big fuss.”

True, no one knew the lengths to which the boundless Hunters Guild would go to in order to acquire another S-rank hunter. Although other S-rank hunters would welcome this opportunity with open arms, Jinwoo wouldn’t.

The Hunter’s Association was in the same boat. With the association trying to prevent a specific guild from upsetting the balance of power and Jinwoo trying to get a specific guild off his back, their desires aligned. Jinwoo would’ve been uncomfortable had this put him in the association’s debt, but it turned out that both sides were benefiting.

The association is making my life easier.

The serendipitous situation brought a little smile to Jinwoo’s face. Just as they were about to exit the boss’s lair…

“W-wait!”

An urgent yell came from behind them.

Jinwoo inadvertently turned to see Kihoon heading toward him with the help of a bigger colleague. His wounds had been properly tended to, but his face was still pale from the loss of blood.

He shouldn’t even be on his feet.

Nevertheless, Kihoon stood before him now. He bowed his head to Jinwoo.

“Thank you.” He bared his heart. “We’re safe because of you, Hunter Sung. I thank you on behalf of the entire strike squad.”

If the Surveillance Team was to be believed, there had been a good reason for Jinwoo to keep his identity hidden.

Considering the extent of his powers, that makes sense.

Yet…Jinwoo had helped Kihoon and his squad at the risk of revealing himself. What’s more, he hadn’t asked for anything in return. He could’ve insisted on the carcasses of the magic beasts or charged a fee for saving their lives, but he’d instead left without a word.

How could Kihoon convey his utmost respect?

“…Thank you…!” Overcome with emotion, Kihoon bowed deeply. His body screamed in pain, but he endured it for the moment. He’d choked up seeing Jinwoo give the magic beast a taste of his own medicine, punishing an orc in the same manner he’d been abused. When he thought back to that moment, Kihoon felt like he couldn’t thank him enough.

The other members of the strike squad finally snapped out of their haze as they watched their squad leader bow.

If it wasn’t for Jinwoo……

He’s our savior, isn’t he?

We shouldn’t be standing here, staring at them like a bunch of idiots.

They jostled one another in their rush toward Jinwoo and also bowed.

“Thank you so much, Mr. Lugg…I mean, Hunter Sung.”

“Seriously, if it wasn’t for you……”

“Thanks to you, my wife isn’t a widow!”

The young hunter who’d joked about his hands shaking when Kihoon called off the raid approached Jinwoo with tears in his eyes. “Hunter Sung…because I’m so grateful for what you’ve done…may I give you a hug?”

“Okay, that’s too far.”

“There he goes again. Someone stop him, please.”

“Then I’ll go for a hug from you!”

Hwoomp!

“Gah! Let go of me—you’re creeping me out!”

“Ha-ha-ha-ha!”

The squad members laughed for the first time since entering the A-rank dungeon.

Jinwoo watched their interactions, content. He hadn’t done this for compliments or thanks, but their genuine feelings warmed his heart.

“Oh.” Jinwoo walked over to the female healer cheering on the side.

I almost didn’t see her in the back of the group because she’s so small.

He returned the notebook she’d given him earlier. Blushing, she shyly took it with both hands.

“Th-thank you……” As she did, she mentally berated her past self.

Geez, I wish I hadn’t told him anything.

It was just one more embarrassing incident that would keep her up at night. How laughable she must have seemed for giving a notebook containing her last will and testament to the luggage carrier who’d made easy work of the boss? She peeked up at him and was relieved that Jinwoo wasn’t laughing at her.

Instead, he spoke to her in a rather firm voice. “Miss Healer.”

“Yes?” She perked up like a kid in class being called on by the teacher.

“Please keep your personal items out of the strike squad’s gear going forward. It makes it heavier.”

“O-okay?” She stared at him, speechless.

Jinwoo grinned. He’d said everything he wanted to say, and it looked like the hunters had done so as well. He turned nonchalantly and walked away from the dumbfounded healer.

“Let’s go.” Jinwoo was accompanied out by the Surveillance Team.

There had been one other person, though.

Oh……

Haein was the only one who hadn’t gotten a chance to talk to Jinwoo. She’d reached out a hand to stop him but had decided against it.

I wanted to ask for his number, but……

She only wanted to request a bit of his time. However, talking to him at this point, when his situation seemed unclear, might only lead to further complications.

Just then…a female mage approached her. “Ummm… Vice President?”

“Yes?”

She gestured at Haein’s hand. “Why are you holding a pickax?”

Haein grew redder and redder as she stared at the head of the pickax. She set it down and asked, “Do you think that made me look weird?”

The mage cocked her head. “Depends on who you ask, I guess?”

Haein’s neck flushed as well.

Just outside the gate, Jinchul looked at his watch and turned to Jinwoo. “We’re planning to return to the association… If you’re free, would you like to come with us and have dinner with President Go?”

“What time is it now?”

“It’s a quarter past five.”

Hmm……

It’d be close, but he could still make it in time to his meeting with Jinho.

Still, Jinwoo politely declined Jinchul’s invitation. “Thank you, but I already have plans.”

Inhale…exhale… Jinho tried to keep his composure by taking deep breaths like he’d seen in a movie.

My destiny will be decided soon.

Jinwoo’s choice would decide his fate. He was antsier and more jittery than when he’d confronted his father regarding Yoojin Guild a few days ago.

I need to go back to the basics… The basics…

It was no coincidence that Jinho had asked to meet in the same café where he’d first presented his proposal to Jinwoo.

If it wasn’t for the boss’s help, I wouldn’t have come this far.

When he looked around the store with that thought in mind, he couldn’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia. He even happened to be sitting at the same table as well.

Ting-a-ling.

The door chime sounded, and Jinwoo strode in.

“Boss!” Jinho sprang to his feet, beaming and greeting Jinwoo with a sharp bow.

Jinwoo nodded in greeting, and Jinho waited until the boss sat down across from him before also taking a seat.

“So, what’s up?”

Jinho blinked as he looked up. “Boss, your clothes…?”

“Oh, this?” Jinwoo had come straight from the battle with the high orcs, so his clothes weren’t the cleanest. There was a tiny splatter of orc blood on his shirt, too.

Jinwoo seemed unbothered. “I came here straight from a dungeon.”

Whoa!

Jinho was caught by surprise once again. He felt so inadequate compared to this man. After getting his guild master’s license, he’d spent his free time drinking. But the boss? Despite how powerful he already was, he continued to train inside dungeons whenever he had the time.

Jinho was ashamed of himself.

He’s really amazing……

He had an infinite amount of respect for Jinwoo as well. He figured Jinwoo walked around in battle-stained clothes because he was confident enough not to feel like he needed to hide his training process.

He wears it proudly like a badge.

Jinho’s expression hardened. Whatever Jinwoo ended up deciding, Jinho was prepared to follow him, no questions asked. So he needed to be completely honest.

“Boss, the thing is……” Jinho told him every last detail about what had gone down between him and his father that day. This included Myunghwan Ko’s testimony regarding who had saved the hunters of the White Tiger Guild in the red gate.

Well, that was unnecessary……

Still, Jinwoo couldn’t be angry, since Myunghwan had done it for Jinwoo’s benefit. No wonder Jinho seemed pretty excited when talking about the red gate.

In any case, Jinwoo understood what Jinho was trying to say.

“You need me in order to be named the guild master of Yoojin Guild, right?”

Jinho had said his piece, so he awaited Jinwoo’s answer with composure. He didn’t joke around or attempt any sweet talk like he usually did. He was prepared to accept Jinwoo’s decision for what it was.

Jinwoo was lost in thought as deep as Jinho’s agony. He eventually raised his head.

“Jinho, I…”

Gulp.

Jinho’s mouth went dry.

Jongin, the president of the Hunters Guild, received a phone call. He abandoned the work he had been doing in order to yell in his private office.

“What? Jinwoo Sung was at our raids yesterday and today?”

The newly revealed S-rank hunter… How had Jongin not known that he’d appeared in the midst of his own guild? He’d basically squandered an opportunity that had been handed directly to him.

Jongin was frustrated, but… “Pardon? He was on the excavation team yesterday and the luggage carrier today?”

That explained how he’d slipped under Jongin’s radar.

Putting his motives aside……

He felt that speculating over Jinwoo’s motives would only lead to a dead end and a headache. That wasn’t important right now anyway.

Following the White Tiger Guild, the Hunters also received his help.

They were deeply indebted to him. Jongin had wanted to be on equal footing with Jinwoo when recruiting him, but now the Hunters were in the same position as White Tiger.

Still, I’m lucky to have found out about the tenth S-rank hunter before everyone else.

Right. More important than this debt were Jinwoo’s abilities.

“So what hunter class is Jinwoo Sung?”

“Well……”

Jongin gradually found himself at a loss for words as he listened intently. The person he was speaking with was Kihoon, the leader of today’s strike squad. He wasn’t the type of person to make up stories or exaggerate details.

But Jongin had to ask, “Is that the truth?”

“Yes. That’s everything I saw.”

Everything he saw…? Does that mean there might be even more to Jinwoo?

If Jinwoo was that strong……

“How would you say he compares to me…?” It was a bit of a childish question, but it was also a good way to measure a hunter’s abilities.

Kihoon responded hesitantly.

“Could you clear a higher-level A-rank dungeon by yourself, sir?”

“……That would be impossible.”

“But he managed it. He even rejected Hunter Cha’s assistance.”

Haein was there, too?

Jongin wondered what she’d been doing there, but that wasn’t a big concern at the moment.

“Is it possible that it was a lower-level A-rank dungeon?”

“If so, we should’ve been able to handle it. That man saved us all.”

“……”

Jongin Choi was the man known as the Ultimate Hunter. What Kihoon said could have been interpreted as insulting, but rather than angering him, it made his heart pound.

Haein Cha, Jinwoo Sung, and me.

Depending on how powerful Jinwoo was, there was an opportunity to finally make the Hunters the most famous guild in all of Korea, all of Asia, and perhaps even the world.

“President Choi, it’s not my place to say anything about how to run the guild, but…”

Kihoon also wasn’t the type of person to step out of line and grumble about the guild. Jongin’s curiosity was piqued.

“It’s okay. Please go ahead.”

“That man… Please recruit Hunter Sung for our guild. I think he’ll be able to help you achieve your dream.”

Ba-dump.

Jongin’s heart skipped a beat. He attempted to hide the trembling of his voice.

“I’ll try my best.”

Outside the headquarters of the Hunter’s Association of Korea, a long line of reporters waited to interview Minsung. Minsung Lee, Asia’s superstar, becomes hunter! It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that reporters from all over the country were here. They jostled and jockeyed for a position, fighting fiercely for real estate.

“Hello? That’s our spot.”

“Come on! Do you see how many people are here? There’s no claiming spots. Where you’re standing is your spot.”

“Hmph…!”

Reporters spilled onto the road. Minsung watched all this through a window from inside the association building with a huge grin on his face.

“Yeah, that’s about the right amount.” He’d taken time off to attract more attention, and his tactic was paying off.

“Hey, Minsung, what do you think of the headline for tomorrow’s newspaper?” The reporter from the bestselling newspaper in Korea showed Minsung the article that would be featured on the front page.

“It’s a bit dull, wouldn’t you say?”

“You think so?”

“Hmm… How about this—‘Minsung Lee, The Man Who Has it All, Now Has Superhuman Strength in His Grasp’?”

“Won’t a headline that bold offend readers?”

“It’s not like any of it is a lie. Besides, who in Korea would talk trash about me when my fans and the media have their eyes on everything?”

“Okay, then I’ll go with that headline.”

“Please and thank you.” Minsung politely thanked the reporter but sneered as soon as he left the room.

Why bother talking back to me when he’s just gonna do what I say in the end?

At that moment, two imported luxury-brand cars pulled into the parking lot of the association.

Tmp.

Tmp.

Yoonho Baek of the White Tiger Guild and Jongin Choi of the Hunters Guild got out of their cars almost simultaneously.

“Huh? Look!”

“It’s Yoonho Baek!”

“Jongin Choi is here, too!”

The reporters who were blocking the front entrance now scurried over to the two guild masters.

They both frowned.

What are these? Reporters?

Why are there so many people here today?

Ka-shak, ka-shak, ka-shak!

Cameras flashed as reporters surrounded the two men and bombarded them with questions.

“Are you two here to recruit Minsung Lee for your guilds?”

“As the hunters who represent Korea, do you think Minsung will retire as an actor?”

“What rank do you think Minsung will get?”

“Please tell us what you think about Minsung!”

Short-tempered Yoonho waved them away, clearly annoyed. “I’m not here for him. I’ve got nothing to say.”

Jongin stated the facts without an ounce of emotion in his voice. “Everyone in the industry knows that Mr. Lee has already signed with the Reapers Guild. I’m here on other business.”

The reporters turned around, unhappy they hadn’t received the answers they wanted.

What the heck?

There’s no story here.

I got excited for nothing.

They couldn’t exactly complain in front of the two S-rank hunters, though. Instead, they took their spots again waiting for Minsung.

Yoonho and Jongin eyed each other once they were left alone.

Yoonho spoke first. “I hear the Hunters were also in a spot of trouble.” He strongly emphasized “also.”

“It wasn’t as bad as losing an A-rank newbie.”

The tension between the two men was as heated as that among the reporters.

Yoonho, who’d gotten worked up, paused and then sighed. “In any case, he helped out both White Tiger and the Hunters.”

“And thank goodness he did. Our guild’s entire second elite squad would be dead if it wasn’t for him.”

Their avoidance of saying his name was yet another unspoken fight between the two.

Jongin took a step closer to Yoonho. “That’s why it’s my moral obligation to recruit the man for our guild.”

Yoonho didn’t back down. He leaned in close enough to Jongin that their foreheads touched. “We lost some of our members. Shouldn’t we get him as compensation to fill out our ranks?”

“Why do you need an S rank for that? What’re you planning to do, invade North Korea or something?”

“And you? Since when do you care that much about morals?”

Sparks flew between the two.

Huh?

Taegyu Lim, the master of the Reapers Guild, arrived on the scene right on time for the press conference. He smirked at the sight of two grown men locked in a staring contest. What should he say? Would this be like counting chickens before they’d hatched? Taegyu was feeling giddy because White Tiger and the Hunters always tended to snatch up the talented hunters.

He tried to repress his smile as he walked toward them. “Hey, Mr. Presidents. Are you fighting over our Minsung?”

Yoonho and Jongin both turned toward Taegyu at the same time.

What’s with this crazy old man?

I already said I didn’t care about Minsung or Mingoon or whatever his name is.

Taegyu instinctively took a step back at their glowers.

Sheesh, what’s gotten into these two?

“What? Jongin Choi and Yoonho Baek are here, too?”

Minsung grinned. He already knew the other man out there with them, President Lim. They’d met when he signed his contract.

There was a reason he’d signed with the Reapers, despite them being on the decline, instead of aiming for one of the top two guilds.

I want people to think I’m a champion of the weak.

For entertainers, public image was everything, and Minsung was a pro at managing and cultivating the exact image he desired.

I can’t believe the best guilds in Korea are fighting over me……

Minsung wasn’t planning to be a hunter for very long, but he couldn’t help but bask in the moment.

Soon, his manager entered the room. “Minsung, everything’s set. Time for the press conference.”

“All right.”

His manager led the way. Once the glass doors of the association opened, Minsung emerged and basked in the camera flashes.

Ka-shak, ka-shak, ka-shak!

Minsung aimed his usual fake smile at the hundreds of lenses focused on him.

That was the precise moment Jinwoo arrived at the association headquarters.

……?

He’d returned three days later as directed.

What’s with all these people?

It didn’t look like he’d get inside at this time. Of course, he had other ways, such as using the Stealth skill, jumping over the reporters’ heads, or using the back door. He’d made an appointment in advance for his reevaluation, though, and wasn’t too keen on the idea of going out of his way to find another entrance when the door was right there.

It’s not like I’m committing a crime.

There was no reason he shouldn’t use the front door. Jinwoo had to push his way through the crowd of reporters on the sidewalk in front of the association. “Excuse me, pardon me…”

“Oh, c’mon!”

“What the hell?”

“What’s with him?”

Reporters raised their eyebrows as they were helplessly pushed aside, powerless against an S rank. Jinwoo was able to clear a path in no time and made it onto the steps, but a burly man blocked his way before he could take another step.

“Hey!” It was Minsung’s manager. He glared at Jinwoo as he yelled, “Who the hell are you? You an employee of the association?”

Jinwoo shook his head without breaking eye contact.

Oh-ho, look at the balls on this guy.

The manager’s eye twitched. “Don’t you see all these reporters here?”

Jinwoo briefly looked over his shoulder at the reporters. They seemed to be disgruntled at him. Jinwoo deduced they were there for a press conference, but it wasn’t like the path to the entrance was a part of the press conference area, was it? It was common courtesy not to interfere with a reporter, but neither should reporters get in a civilian’s way.

With so many people watching, Jinwoo wanted to be on his way without causing a commotion. But then…

“Take the back entrance. You can’t go this way. Move, asshole.” The manager blocked Jinwoo’s path again and shoved him.

Jinwoo’s eyes changed.

What’s this?

The manager was startled. He was a D-rank awakened being and a brawler. He shoved Jinwoo, hoping to embarrass him in front of everyone, but Jinwoo didn’t budge. The manager had used enough strength to really hurt an ordinary person. Jinwoo could tell this was the case.

“……” He silently stared down the manager, whose face was growing pale.

“What? What are they doing?”

“What’s going on? Are they about to fight?”

Sensing the gravity of the situation, the reporters began murmuring among themselves.

The manager broke out in a cold sweat. If no one was watching, he’d simply have backed down and stepped aside, but not only did he have all these reporters’ eyes on him, his employer, Minsung, was also watching everything.

Minsung approached with a frown and quietly whispered to him, “Come on—get rid of this guy and wrap it up.”

“Uh… O-okay.” The manager feared he’d lose his job if he botched this. He scrunched his face up and yelled, “I said you can’t go this way! Get out of here!”

“Who told you he couldn’t go this way?”

What?

The voice came from behind him. The manager turned.

President Go of the Hunter’s Association of Korea stood just outside the glass doors. His presence was so surprising that everyone even forgot to get pictures.

“Gunhee Go?”

“President Go?”

The boisterous crowd fell silent at his unexpected appearance. President Go approached the steps and spoke. “This man is a guest of the association.”

He looked at Minsung. “Do you remember who authorized this press conference, Mr. Lee?”

Minsung snapped to attention. “O-of course.”

What if he fell out of favor with the president of the association and had his press conference canceled on his first day as a hunter? He couldn’t let that happen with so many eyes on him. Minsung signaled with a look for his manager to step aside, and he bowed to Jinwoo and the president in turn.

“Please come, Hunter Sung.”

The reporters couldn’t hide their confusion at the sight of President Go leading Jinwoo into the building.

“What was that?”

“Who was that man? Why is the president of the association helping him?”

“Does anyone know anything about him?”

No one had any answers for the increasingly loud and frustrated reporters.

Minsung was fuming. First, there was the man who’d made a huge deal of shoving through the reporters; then, there was President Go himself, who’d personally escorted the man inside.

“What’s on the president’s agenda today?”

“I heard he cleared his morning schedule!”

“Did he do it for that guy?”

Two surprise appearances in one morning threatened to plunge everything into chaos, making things hardly conducive to a successful press conference. But Minsung had gone out of his way to set this up today. He gritted his teeth at his manager.

That fucker can’t do a single thing right.

The manager dropped his head, not daring to look at Minsung. Since Minsung had become an A-rank awakened being, he outclassed the manager in the physical strength department, so the weaker man had no choice but to prostrate himself.

……

Minsung glowered at him for a bit before finally turning away.

“And action!”

Gah!

To add insult to injury, a TV camera was about to roll—and for a live broadcast, no less. All his work to boost his image by becoming an A-rank hunter would end in vain if this chaotic scene was broadcast live to the people of Korea. President Go’s appearance had shattered any interest in his proper press conference.

Why did he have to show up at such a critical moment…?

Isn’t there a way to turn this all around?

His sly brain began to spin.

That’s it. Flip the script by giving them something even bigger to talk about.

The reporters weren’t here because they were curious about how Minsung felt before the evaluation. They’d come to find out superstar Minsung’s hunter rank and what his first move would be after getting his license. If Minsung provided them with the answers they were looking for, everything would get back on track.

I need to get the evaluation sooner than I planned.

There was a cunning smile on his face. People who knew him would say this type of quick thinking was his forte.

“Ummm, please stand by. I’m going to talk to the association about today’s schedule.”

He excused himself to the reporters and walked toward the association building to notify those in charge about a change in the schedule. He had no intention of discussing things with them.

Considering how much money my father gives the association, they should be accommodating me.

But…

Huh?

Right before Minsung could push open the glass door, a group of Surveillance Team hunters exited the building and pushed him back. They stood in a row, blocking the entrance to the building.

What’s all this now?

Minsung’s brow furrowed. He read the name tag on one man’s chest.

Jinchul Woo, Korean Hunter’s Association’s Surveillance Team Manager?

Minsung addressed him. “What’s going on? Why are you blocking the entrance?”

Jinchul looked down at Minsung, sunglasses perched on his face.

“Another awakened being’s rank reevaluation is in progress. No one is allowed inside the building until the reevaluation is completed at around eleven o’clock.”

“What?!”

Was this other awakened being the man who had gone inside with the president of the association? Minsung checked his watch. It was ten thirty in the morning. His appointment for the evaluation was at eleven.

No one was allowed inside until then? His plan to turn his situation around by getting the evaluation earlier was now ruined.

At first, he spoke to them politely. “Please, sir, if you could be so kind as to let me in, I have something to discuss with the person in charge.”

“Sorry.” Jinchul gave a curt response.

Minsung was frustrated. He couldn’t stand it any longer, and his true colors began to show. “Do you know who I am? I’m Minsung, Minsung Lee.” Minsung’s tone was rude, but Jinchul didn’t budge.

“Haaah…” Jinchul exhaled.

“Hey, do you know who the biggest sponsor of the Hunter’s Association is? Yoojin Construction! That’s who!” Minsung sneered. “Wongyu Lee, the vice president of Yoojin Construction, is my father. And you see those people over there?”

He pointed at the reporters all along the bottom of the steps. “How can you treat the son of the vice president of Yoojin Construction like this with so many reporters watching? Are you prepared for the consequences?”

Jinchul’s answer was simple. “Yes, I am.”

“What?” Minsung was floored.

Who the heck was that man who prompted a mere managerial employee to be so resolute? Why had the president of the association escorted him into the building, and why was the association sealing off the building for his rank evaluation?

Minsung placed his hands on his hips and interrogated Jinchul. “Who’s that other awakened being? Why is the association so protective of him?”

Finally, Jinchul took off his sunglasses. “If I told you that…”

Shudder.

Jinchul’s big, bright, beast-like eyes caused Minsung to step back instinctively. He continued in a low voice, staring Minsung right in the eyes the entire time.

“…would you be prepared for the consequences, Mr. Minsung Lee?”

It was quiet inside the building. There was no one in the waiting room save for the occasional staff member passing through. This appeared to be for the same reason all those reporters were gathered outside.

“This way, please.”

“All right.”

Inside the special evaluation room, Jinwoo was met by a couple of familiar faces.

Huh?

Yoonho and Jongin were sitting in the lounge across the way, the same area where the guild scouts had been clustered three days ago when he’d first come to be reevaluated.

The two men trained their eyes on Jinwoo, simultaneously standing and nodding. Jinwoo nodded at them as he passed by.

President Go had a slight smile on his face as they made their way down the quiet hallway. “The two of them have been waiting over an hour for you, Hunter Sung.”

The guild masters of the two representative guilds of South Korea had come an hour in advance to await the result of his reevaluation?

President Go continued mildly, as if he’d read Jinwoo’s mind. “You’re the first S-rank hunter to come around in two years. Plus, Jongin knows about your abilities, so he’s probably more anxious.”

Jinwoo nodded his understanding.

“Oh my.”

“Mr. President.”

The employees of the association marveled at Jinwoo as they greeted President Go.

Who’s this man with the president? Why is the president personally escorting him?

Is he someone powerful?

How does this young man know President Go?

The employees were taken aback, as President Go had never been a guide for any guests before, not even governmental ministers who had visited the association.

The elder hunter looked straight ahead as he talked with Jinwoo. “I heard about what happened yesterday.”

President Go spoke about the incident with some relish. He was genuinely excited. He’d rightly predicted that Jinwoo would be different from other hunters. When Jinchul had described Jinwoo’s performance, it had thrilled him as much as if he’d been there. He was impressed by Jinwoo’s abilities, but more than that, he liked how Jinwoo had handled the whole situation.

Even though Jinwoo had cleared the entire dungeon, including the boss, mostly on his own, he hadn’t asked for any rewards. If Jinwoo’s real purpose was to fight against magic beasts rather than gain money and fame, the association was ready to support him wholeheartedly. After all, his purpose aligned with the reason behind the establishment of the association.

I’ll do everything in my power to recruit him.

But how could he? By joining the association, Jinwoo would forgo the opportunity to battle magic beasts.

President Go had learned about Jinwoo’s power only yesterday. His abilities were too good to be wasted outside of dungeons.

Finally, they arrived at the evaluation room located deeper inside the building.

“Before the reevaluation, we are going to classify you based on your abilities.”

Jinwoo had been expecting this. Hunters were separated among brawler, mage, healer, support-type, and countless other categories depending on their abilities and were assigned jobs accordingly.

Another employee was waiting in the evaluation room. He bowed at President Go before directing Jinwoo. “This way, please.”

Jinwoo stood in the middle of the evaluation room, which was pretty much a spacious gymnasium that could be observed easily and had walls and flooring protected by powerful magic. It had been built this way in case of accidents.

The evaluators began their assessment. “What kind of abilities can you use?”

President Go watched with interest from a corner of the room. This was why he’d personally escorted Jinwoo. He wanted to see Jinwoo’s abilities with his own eyes as soon as possible.

“I can do this…” Jinwoo summoned one of his shadow soldiers.

“Whoa!” The evaluators flinched.

Who wouldn’t have, seeing a soldier in black armor suddenly spawn from the ground? Jinwoo had called on the lowest level among his regular-rank soldiers, but even it was too much to handle for the average person.

“Is that…a minion? You can command minions?” The evaluator’s voice was shaky.

Jinwoo wanted to explain that his soldier wasn’t dangerous. He felt bad for the evaluator.

“……Well, I guess they’re similar to that?”

“Th-then how many minions can you summon?”

I guess I can’t lie.

There were more than twenty witnesses who’d seen all of Jinwoo’s shadow soldiers when he’d summoned them in the A-rank dungeon. Jinwoo underreported the number of shadow soldiers he had stored.

“About a hundred…”

The evaluator’s eyes grew huge at the number. “A h-hundred?”

“Yes.” Meanwhile, Jinwoo remained calm.

President Go’s eyes twinkled as he examined the shadow soldier.

A hundred more like that one……

The soldier seemed to have a level of magic power similar to a B-rank hunter. A person with a hundred of these would be powerful enough to best a large guild. This was a fantastic ability.

Jinwoo could feel Go’s fiery gaze on him. He was relieved by everyone’s reactions.

If this is how they respond to just one regular-rank soldier……

It was a good thing Jinwoo hadn’t summoned Igris, his highest-rank soldier, or Fang, whom he had captured only yesterday. This was enough to prove what kind of ability Jinwoo had.

“Then…Hunter Sung is a mage.” The evaluator looked satisfied as he took down a few notes. “Now, please step inside the measurement room.”

Jinwoo was handed a new hunter’s license.

JINWOO SUNG, S RANK, MAGE CLASS

Jinwoo couldn’t believe it, despite seeing his own picture on the license.

Nice. Everything’s working out for me.

He tucked away the hunter’s license in his wallet.

When he got to the end of the hallway, Yoonho and Jongin were waiting for him.

“Jinwoo, a moment of your time?”

“Hunter Sung.”

“I’m sorry. I’ve got some errands to run.” Jinwoo brushed past them and walked toward the door.

“Um, Jinwoo?” Yoonho sounded worried. “If I were you, I wouldn’t go out that way.”

Because you have an offer I can’t refuse?

Jinwoo wasn’t interested, so he pushed open the glass door despite Yoonho’s warning.

As he did…

Ka-shak, ka-shak, ka-shak, ka-shak, ka-shak, ka-shak!

Reporters were at the top of the steps arguing with the Surveillance Team hunters while taking pictures.

What the hell is going on?

Jinwoo was at a loss for words as his eyes were blinded by camera flashes.

Jinah bought some banana-flavored milk from the cafeteria right after third period as per usual. There was still about an hour left until lunchtime. She wouldn’t be able to focus in class on an empty stomach, so a drink was better than nothing.

Right on cue…

Rrrumble.

Her stomach was screaming at her for some fuel. As Jinah approached the classroom rubbing her empty stomach, one of her friends excitedly called out to her.

“J-Jinah!”

“Huh? What?”

Her friend’s excitement was infectious.

“Your big brother! He’s on TV!”

“What? Why is he on TV?”

Jinah’s heart sank. Did he get hurt again? If not that, then…

Her friend grabbed her by the wrist and dragged her into the classroom with no further explanation.

Jinah’s eyes landed on the big TV next to the blackboard.

“J-Jinwoo?” The banana-flavored milk fell to the ground as she read the flashing caption.