Chapter 5 - 7

Ch 191: Collapse （2）

For some reason, the back of my neck feels stiff. My skin is rising like the plucked skin of a chicken.

What gives him the right to act so arrogant?

No matter what he says, it's over once the skill is activated.

『Invitation of Dreams （Active）』

『Description: Traps the opponent's mind in a specific space and then destroys it. The skill cannot be undone by any other means without the owner's permission.』

This is a skill that is recorded like this even on the PIXY website.

If you succeed in applying it properly, it's a truly threatening ability with an effect that no one can dare to match mentally.

"What are you talking about like you're so great? Do you still not understand your situation?"

But in fact.

The foreign errand runner here overlooked one thing.

Skill descriptions that hunters often see. Or descriptions of monsters in dungeons.

Since all of this information is recorded by hand, it's natural that there are often mistakes.

"Hahaha."

Therefore, it's nothing for the skill description to be wrong.

"Do you even know what the mechanism of this skill is?"

Dyed blonde hair.

Black eyes staring somewhere far into the void.

The hunter named Giryeo put his hands behind his back and then spoke.

"Actually, this is an arena where the guest and the host compete in skills."

"Hmm?"

"In this kind of virtual form, the initiative changes depending on who is better at wielding magic. The criteria for judgment are rather complex."

"W-what?"

"It's not like the host has absolute power like you think. But looking at how you're reacting now…"

Soon, the guest's expression slowly changes.

"You, it seems like you've never met an Awakened One who has more initiative than you."

Talented?

Now his eyes are wide open, his face smiling so brightly that they look like slits.

He's definitely smiling. He now has a very human and natural smile.

But, why has my stomach been churning like this since earlier…?

"It's almost pitiful to see you jumping around happily, not even knowing that your enemy deliberately fell for your invitation."

"What?"

"Anyway, it's good that it turned out like this after a long time. Actually, I've been under a lot of stress lately because I haven't been able to use my skills properly due to various circumstances."

The unpleasantness mixed in the other person's voice quietly grows.

It was strange. This white space was originally a space where he could overwhelmingly, and easily, manipulate anyone.

The Alai Awakened One always felt comfortable and excited, as if he was having a good dream, whenever he came here, but now everything was different from usual.

"A mental attack, huh."

The foreign Awakened One then opens his eyes wide.

Not long after, the situation changed drastically.

To be precise, the blonde hunter in front of him changed his appearance.

The face of the man who was smiling gradually twisted into an indescribable form, and he uttered sounds of incomprehensible pitch through a distorted construct as if it were filled with noise.

"Good."

With that short sentence.

"I'll show you the right example this time."

—Thud.

The unfortunate sorcerer felt an alien sensation touch the tips of his feet.

◈◈◈

Meanwhile.

Outside of the mental world.

'As expected, my partner is the best.'

Hmph.

The female Awakened One who had remained outside smiles with satisfaction at the situation unfolding before her eyes.

The blonde hunter, who had been flustered and unable to do anything because of An Yunseung, suddenly had a blank look in his eyes and stopped in his place.

This was proof that their plan had worked well.

"Kuh… Ugh! What, what are you doing to my brother…"

The Korean with the shaved head, who had fallen into a paralyzed state, glared at them, his eyes trembling.

When Giryeo suddenly stopped moving and went silent, he also belatedly noticed his companion's abnormality.

But An Yunseung was still unable to move a finger because the effects of the status ailment remained.

And the attackers were in the same situation.

There was no way that an item that spread smoke so widely would avoid its owner. But it was okay. After all, their goal was not to win against that A-rank.

'Hmph.'

The woman's lips curled up.

She was already brightening up at the thought of receiving a huge amount of money. And wouldn't her name recognition in the industry skyrocket after this was over?

The hunter named Kim Giryeo would probably be getting a taste of his own medicine from the skill that his companion had unleashed.

A high-intensity assault that he, born as an S-rank powerhouse, would never have experienced before.

His arms twisting and breaking. Or needles growing one by one on the soft flesh inside his throat.

Or in many other ways, anyway, with pain within the range that humans can imagine.

'It's all over.'

In the dream world created by the skill, killing the opponent would not affect their life. If you torment them to the point of death, the connection would be severed in the middle.

But if you made them experience the illusion of having their arms pulled out repeatedly, the opponent would not be able to move properly even after the skill was undone. They would be left with a huge mental aftereffect.

In other words, after that, they could just leave the incapacitated target and run away.

'Is it about time…?'

Ughhh.

At that moment, a groan of pain suddenly came from somewhere.

The consciousness of the two people who were entangled in the skill was released. And soon after, someone uttered the first syllable in a cracked voice.

"Heeh, ughhhh!"

After a few seconds, a shrill scream erupted from behind her.

"Aaaaaaaah!"

A foreign Awakened One, screaming a terrible scream that was hard to believe came from a human throat, had awakened from his sleep.

"Huh?"

Startled!

The other member of Alai flinched at the sound and turned his head.

What he saw was his companion trembling like an aspen.

Along with the constant flow of cold sweat. And pupils that were so contracted as if exposed to a bright light.

"Aaaaah! Ugh, ughhh, ughhh…"

What's wrong. What happened!

The woman desperately shouted something in Spanish, but the Awakened One couldn't answer.

He just trembled and barked in a terrifying way.

How could this be happening? Of course, when his skill ended, it was clear that one of them would scream and wake up, but the direction was always toward the target!

"Yunseung-a, are you okay? You didn't get hurt in the meantime?"

"Brother…!"

But at that moment.

A new voice cut in from the opposite side again.

Shockingly, Kim Giryeo, who had escaped from the hallucination, looked perfectly fine with no change in his complexion.

Powerful steps. Upright posture.

He even looked bright, as if he had woken up from a good dream. Unlike all the previous targets, he was completely unaffected even after being subjected to Alai's mental attack.

"Anyway…"

Swish.

Kim Giryeo, who had taken out the Hydra and was holding it in his hand, leaned it against his shoulder with the sheath on.

And looking at the attacker writhing on the floor in pain, he said.

"You're going to die of happiness just because I teased you a little."

Haha.

An incomprehensible sneer uttered with a dry face.

Also, as soon as that smile reached his ears, one person began to shout something at the top of his lungs.

The Alai's mental sorcerer repeated the same sentence several times after that, but only one person in this place could understand those words.

No es humano.

Spanish close to a scream.

The female Awakened One who had been facing An Yunseung finally seemed to realize something and stepped back hesitantly.

But there was no way that they would just let these people who had caused such a major accident go.

'No, could it be… is that S-rank hunter's mental strength…'

Tap tap!

By the time she realized it, Kim Giryeo was already running out to the center of the aquarium.

In response, the errand runner instinctively took a defensive stance.

But immediately after, what was heard was the sound of the top of a box opening with a 'click'.

◈◈◈

Some time after that.

Inside Kim Giryeo's one-room apartment, next to the brown desk.

"…No, so you're saying that those guys were actually overseas hitmen who were working for money?"

For reference, today is Friday.

I was getting calls from the police from the golden Friday morning.

The reason why the police suddenly showed up was, of course, because of the aquarium attack incident the other day.

After that, I activated 『Surprise Box!』 and handed the criminals over to the police as they were.

"And the client was that researcher named Kim, what's-his-name…"

But the truth of the incident that was revealed is a bit shocking.

As a result of investigating the attackers, the police found out about the SNS chat room they were using, and the conversations revealed there were quite a sight.

『me: But why is an S-rank hunter the target of this request?』

『client: That bastard betrayed my heart. I thought he was a good man, but it turned out it was all an act. The illusion was shattered! And I got angry because he rejected a very important request for my career.』

『client: I want revenge.』

『client: It's not like I'm killing him, it's okay to just torment him for a bit.』

For reference, the original text of this conversation is in English.

'Goodness, he just rejected a research collaboration proposal, and he got so angry that he did this?'

A frenzied retaliation carried out after being disheartened by the coldness of a hunter he had been fond of for a long time.

This was the conclusion that the police first pointed out about the incident.

The researcher who came to the gym in front of Jeong Haseong's training place.

Surprisingly, there were a lot of conversations left in the chat room by someone presumed to be that researcher.

Moreover, on the Fairy's Promise（*a lower item of the Knight's Oath） that was sent to the errand runners called Alai, the words stating that payment would be made when the mission was completed were written in the researcher's handwriting.

"Uh… are they crazy?"

Just because I met her once and she held a grudge, she's spending 1 billion to torment me?

But that wasn't the only thing that was hard to understand…

◈◈◈

◈◈◈

◈◈◈

"No, why do I have to have my account investigated for such an absurd thing…!"

A police station in Seoul.

A person who was so angry that his neck was turning red, kicked the iron chair and stood up at the appearance of someone.

A polo shirt with stripes and rather thick glasses. It was the researcher I had met before.

"Ah! Hunter Kim Giryeo-nim!"

This researcher Kim was currently giving a statement in front of the police because he was suspected of instigating the assault, but as soon as he saw me, who had come to the police station, he grabbed my sleeve and shouted.

"Hunter-nim, listen to me! No! This. I really don't know anything about this!"

He claimed that the identity of the client who posted in the chat room was stolen, and that he had nothing to do with this.

"This is ridiculous. I've been eating and sleeping in the lab because of the new project these days, would I even have time to do something like this?"

"Hmm."

"Please, Hunter Kim Giryeo-nim, please say something!"

"Say what?"

"That I'm not the culprit! You know, you heard it last time, right? No, I'm actually on the side of supporting the hunter-nim, so why would I call in a service to cause trouble?"

For reference, the police said that they were planning to investigate the bank statements to check if she had really purchased cryptocurrency.

The researcher claimed that she was in a difficult situation because of this.

Originally, there is no one in this world who is completely clean.

She had been receiving an allowance from her family every month while she was getting her doctorate.

At this time, she was also receiving a small amount of labor cost, that is, income, from the school, so suddenly all of her allowance for the past 7 years was about to be considered a gift.

"It's not even a huge amount that would normally get caught by the National Tax Service, but I'm suddenly going to have to pay hundreds in taxes because of this ridiculous thing…!"

Anyway, it seems like there's some issue related to taxes, but honestly, I'm from outer space, so I couldn't understand it right away.

Besides, that's not the important issue right now.

"Anyway, you're saying that you really have nothing to do with this incident?"

"Yes!"

Lowered eyebrows. Reddened neck. Tapping heels.

For now, the researcher with the surname Kim seemed to be sincerely wronged. On the surface.

But I didn't believe it right away.

In the first place, I'm someone who can't empathize much with human emotional expressions, and there are always liars everywhere in the universe.

'I'm a scammer myself, so…'

Because the client used a complex element called cryptocurrency, it's honestly very difficult to track the flow of funds.

Moreover, the only suspect, the female researcher, is claiming her innocence every second, and the motive for the crime is actually weak.

'If I look at it from the perspective of someone who has lived life twice, there's definitely something strange.'

Still, if I think about it carefully, fortunately, I have a way to solve the problem.

Magic that can distinguish the truth from lies.

Actually, I was able to use that intermediate skill thanks to the Blueshell I got recently.

Of course, it's only a one-time use, very narrowly.

It's not a very healthy method, but since Earthlings sometimes do the act of chugging energy drinks, it's okay for me to push myself once in a while.

"…Somehow the story is getting long, but since it's still mealtime, let's go to a restaurant for a while and continue our conversation. I'll pay."

"Ah, really?"

In this country, it's illegal to use magic on ordinary people. First of all, I need to move the location.

Ch 192: Collapse （3）

So, I left the police station with the researcher and headed to a nearby Vietnamese restaurant.

"Now that we're outside, I have one question for you."

"Yes?"

"I have a skill that can prove your innocence, but unfortunately, the law here says that using awakened abilities on a person will get me arrested."

"Ah."

"But the law also says not to apply abilities without consent. If the victim expresses their will first, it should be okay, right?"

"Yes?"

"So, would you give me your consent now?"

*Beep.*

After that, I turned on the recording function on my phone.

Soon after, the Earthling gave his consent, and the magic was executed.

However, in this process, I received an unexpected judgment.

"What?"

The researcher was indeed telling the truth.

Now, the story becomes complex.

If it wasn't a simple love affair smear by a psycho anti-fan, then who on earth was the real instigator, and what was their intention?

The first face that comes to mind is Brooklyn Morgan, the S-rank hunter from overseas.

I hadn't done anything to make her my enemy, but if it's that woman who suddenly raised her mana because she thought I might be a fake S-rank, she's capable of causing such an incident. Just for the reason of wanting to confirm my power.

In fact, in the chat room, the client was said to have used English.

But if we assume that Brooklyn is the culprit…

This time, it doesn't make sense that the researcher in front of me got caught up in the incident.

'Hmm.'

It's not enough to just say that they disguised their identity; the mysterious client knew a lot of information about the researcher.

"Excuse me. I have a question."

"Yes."

"Did you ever tell anyone that I refused the bodyguard request that day?"

The researcher answered this question.

He said that it was a fact known to all the team members of his project. After all, they had to clearly inform the organization that they failed to hire Kim Giryeo in order to proceed with the next contact.

"Hmm?"

But at this moment, an idea suddenly flashed through my mind.

'Come to think of it, this guy.'

━Hunter Kim Giryeo-nim… and I heard his actual personality is very good…

I recall a past sentence that a certain researcher had said.

'Come to think of it, the reason that person came to me was because of a 'recommendation,' right?'

Not the 1st or 2nd rank.

The one who deliberately chose the 9th rank, who had a sinister look, as a protector.

It was fortunate that the ability of that errand runner named Alai was something I could handle. This attack on the aquarium was a serious crime that could have led to long-term disability.

So, if I had a question, it would be better to prove it instead of ignoring it.

"Doctor."

I uttered a word referring to the Earthling in front of me and then spoke the next words.

It seems I need to meet your father.

◈◈◈

I wonder what happened to that errand runner who lived overseas?

'Since the contract specified a period, he must have started working by now, even if it was forced.'

In a quiet room.

A certain elderly person, with a robust physique, likely from consistently consuming good nutrients, was sitting on a sofa, resting.

It was Go Byeongdo, the chairman of the Hunter Association.

"Hmm."

What's the point of hiding it now?

In fact, Go Byeongdo was behind everything, and he had assumed Alai's failure from the beginning.

If they succeeded in injuring Kim Giryeo according to the contract, that would be good in its own way.

His real plan started when the foreigners were caught by the police.

'It's frustrating that I can't know the results right away.'

Alai, researcher Kim, and the researcher's father, Kim Beomsik.

If you separate the people involved in the incident one by one, they seem unrelated at first glance, but in fact, there was a hidden message: 'Go Byeongdo and Kim Beomsik are relatives.'

━—————–=

1. Kim Giryeo will not intentionally harm Go Byeongdo and his

family in the future.

━—————–=

This was an indirect murder attempt aimed at breaking the oath.

Contracts always have such risks.

Family.

To an alien, this word refers to direct descendants, including only parents and children, but in countries like Korea, where the concept of community is still strong, it often includes close relatives.

In short, a parent's sibling or that sibling's daughter is often considered family.

That's why Go Byeongdo used a certain researcher.

"Hmm."

Go Byeongdo was also the one who spread the false rumor to Kim Beomsik that Hunter Kim Giryeo would be suitable for escort duty.

Go Byeongdo was also the one who hid Kim Giryeo's contact information, causing the researcher to eventually contact the other party directly.

When you think about it, he was the starting point of everything.

When hiring foreign contractors, the association president was careful not to reveal his identity in this case.

It means that he disguised an innocent victim as the client.

And if Kim Giryeo, through this manipulation, mistook the researcher for the culprit and, angered by the harm done, were to raise his hand.

'He'd be done for.'

Kim Giryeo could end up killing someone's family he didn't even know existed.

'Even if he has an arrogant personality, he still went through mandatory education, so he wouldn't just start throwing punches so easily…'

Of course, he didn't think that everything would go well with just this one impersonation.

He would probably have to repeat this kind of incident several times in the future until Kim Giryeo harbored resentment towards a certain doctor, that is, his family—although he sometimes even forgets their names.

'That bastard.'

*Grinding teeth.*

The chairman of the Hunter Association ground his teeth again due to the face of someone who briefly came to mind.

'That guy's face was rotten from the start! I knew it.'

That con artist who took 3 billion won of my hard-earned money.

At this point, it's not about the money. Even if it means using a distant relative, I'll punish him to save my pride.

First impressions, appearance, tone of voice, and the act of threatening the head of an organization, etc.

Hunter Kim Giryeo was full of things he didn't like from the start.

These old grudges soon became a source of conviction for the association president.

Because he firmly believed that such a bad person would be more than capable of committing fraud by faking his rank.

Moreover, considering the reality, the association president's judgment was even accurate.

"Oh my, is it already 5 o'clock? I should wrap things up early today. I have plans for dinner."

He checked the clock on the wall and got up from his seat.

And to go home, he led his bodyguards down to the association's parking lot.

No, to be precise, he was about to go down.

"Hmm?"

But at that moment.

Someone walked into the opposite side of the hallway they were walking on.

*Step, step, step.*

The young man who entered their field of vision was a face that any Korean would recognize.

A hunter with a modern appearance, with a serious walk and neat attire.

"Oh? Hunter Kim Giryeo-nim?"

The agency's secretary, who was among the group, recognized the other person and greeted him first.

In response, the blonde man replied with a light nod and stopped in front of them.

"Hello, Chairman Go Byeongdo-nim."

What followed was Kim Giryeo's calm greeting.

"Ah, yes. It's been a while, Giryeo-gun."

"Indeed."

"By the way, what brings you here? Did you have business at the association today?"

Tsk.

He's alive and well, with his eyes wide open.

Go Byeongdo was momentarily disappointed to see the other person in perfect condition.

But he had expected this much, so he wasn't greatly shaken. However, at Kim Giryeo's next words, he immediately turned his gaze back.

"Rather than business… I was wondering if you had anything to say to me, Association President-nim."

"Yes?"

"To tell you in advance, I'm on my way back from meeting Kim Beomsik-ssi. I also know that he's your relative."

His lower pupils were filled with the whites of his eyes.

When the other person met his cold gaze, Go Byeongdo spoke as if to say, 'So what?'

"Hmm? My relative? So what?"

Soon, a sharp answer returned to that ordinary sentence.

"What do you mean, 'So what?' No, this damn bastard, even after I've said all this, you're still pretending not to know…"

The other person suddenly started to get angry, using swear words and speaking informally.

How could he talk like that to an elder who was more than twice his age!

But if you look closely at the situation, there was a reason for Giryeo to act like that.

As I said before, this elder had crossed a line that shouldn't have been crossed, so there was no need to show any respect.

"For an association president, how dare you do such a thing just to break an oath?!"

As can be seen from this statement, the great magician had already perfectly grasped the truth of the incident.

Whether it was induction or whatever. For a soul who was a scholar in his past life, the process of inferring hidden answers was not difficult.

"Wait a minute, Hunter Kim Giryeo. What are you talking about?"

Moreover, the great magician had a powerful weapon to prove his assumptions.

"Suddenly coming here and saying I'm pretending not to know, it's like talking nonsense, I really don't understand."

"What?"

"It's true that Kim Beomsik is my relative, but what does that have to do with anything? What did you hear to come here and get so angry?"

Chairman Go Byeongdo calmly explained in a gentle voice.

But the more the other party acted like that, the more the S-rank hunter's blood pressure rose.

'I was half-expecting it, but it was all true! This Earthling is really trying to kill me using his own relative…!'

Because he had already taken the Blueshell before entering the building!

He partially imitated the abilities of magical tools like 『Justitia』 with the power of the ingested artificial enhancer.

He used magic to distinguish between truth and falsehood.

Through this technique, he questioned the people involved in the incident one by one, and finally, he even got a confession-like lie from Go Byeongdo in front of him.

'To act like he doesn't know anything without even changing his facial expression…!'

Nevertheless, the chairman of the Hunter Association stubbornly denied it.

Even when the story of his relative came up, even when the story of Alai came up, he answered as if he didn't know anything.

"I already felt that you knew everything, but you're still acting like this?"

The old Earthling responded calmly to the other person's question.

"Oh my, what did you hear to come here and bother me like this~"

Because the association president no longer feared the S-rank hunter in front of him.

"Anyway, I don't know anything. Besides, even if what's in Giryeo-gun's head is correct, what changes?"

"What?"

"Even if it's not Kim Beomsik's daughter, if you look at me, who's right here in front of you, I'm in the same position."

"…."

"Our Giryeo Hunter-nim won't be able to do anything."

"…."

"No matter how angry you are. Even if you're treated unfairly."

That's right.

Logically, the 『Knight's Oath』 is a promise that no one can break.

But the blonde man in front of him had promised not to harm him for life in such a contract. No matter how angry he was, what could he possibly do?

Looking back now, I'm starting to think that I was blinded by money and wrote the contract without thinking.

3 billion won.

That man was unilaterally placed in a disadvantageous position because of that measly amount of money.

'Well, there is also the option of going to someone like Kang Changho and asking for help.'

Then, if I just reveal that bastard's secret to the S-rank who comes to me, that's it.

'Let's see if those other guys will still hang out with you after they find out you're a con artist.'

But at that moment, when Go Byeongdo had a smirk on his face, the blonde young man spoke.

"…Chairman Go Byeongdo, why are you suddenly doing this to me?"

He had found out that the association president was the culprit, but he still didn't know why he was doing this.

But Go Byeongdo's answer was.

"Well, why don't you use that smart head of yours and figure it out?"

"…."

"You're the one who said you didn't want to take orders from us uneducated people even when a dungeon break happens, yet you're asking me questions."

The association president left Giryeo behind, leaving only mockery.

Judging from his past actions, Kim Giryeo was highly likely to be an awakened one close to S-rank, but in the end, there was a Knight's Oath between them, so he thought it was okay to treat the other person condescendingly.

But the problem was.

'Hmm.'

This alien hadn't just committed one fraud against the chairman.

'Should I kill that mammal after all…'

『Knight's Oath』.

It was actually something that had no effect on a certain great magician.

But that doesn't mean he can openly assault the other party in the contract.

The title of chairman of the Hunter Association was certainly a position worth boasting about.

Among the bodyguards he dragged around, there were two A-ranks. Moreover, he always carried magical tools for escape.

So, what should he do now?

Is a weakling like a low-level awakened one doomed to be helplessly defeated by a ruffian who tried to kill someone using his relatives?

'Why did that Earthling's attitude suddenly become aggressive?'

As can be seen from the incident at the Nacha Temple, Giryeo's personality was somewhat distant from the word "tolerance."

Moreover, if it was an existence that was likely to cause continuous losses if left alive, it should be eliminated more quickly.

"Ha."

The young man, left alone in the hallway, rolled his eyes and pondered for a long time, then finally took out his phone.

'…Alright. Well, being teased for being a tattletale is only for childhood.'

He had tried not to use this forbidden method.

What followed was a dial tone. And someone's clear voice.

A quiet afternoon.

"Oh my, goodness."

In the meantime, unfamiliar fixtures had been added to the director's office.

The biggest change was the table where they were sitting and talking.

It was neither glass nor quartz, but something that shone artistically as if the material itself contained power. It was, in fact, a piece of furniture made by carving a magic stone.

Esther put her coffee cup on the furniture and continued the conversation.

"To be honest, I was surprised to hear from Giryeo-ssi. You suddenly called and asked for help. Did something difficult happen?"

"A little."

"Anyway, tell me! I'm willing to grant Giryeo-ssi's wish at any time. Rather, I'm happy to be able to repay the debt from last time, you know?"

And after a while, a word that did not match the antique interior of the director's office flowed into the air.

"Are you happy? But what I'm asking you to do… is a bit troublesome because it involves dealing with a person…"

The visitor had said something shocking.

But Esther's reaction was monotonous.

She answered with the same smiling face.

"Who do I have to kill?"

The blonde man was quietly looking at the ground, and only after a long time did he raise his head and correct her.

"Wait a minute. What I just said meant 'social' handling."

"Ah."

"Well, of course, Esther-ssi was joking. But you said it so naturally that it sounded real…"

It wasn't a joke.

Esther blinked her drooping eyes and swallowed her words. In the meantime, Giryeo continued the conversation.

"Anyway, I'm actually a bit worried about something these days."

Soon, the nature of the request was revealed.

"Chairman Go Byeongdo suddenly sent me an awakened one for hire. And it was with the intention of completely harming me. What should I do in this situation?"

That's right.

After much deliberation, Kim Giryeo decided to tell the curse sorcerer everything about this problem…!

But this time, Esther raised an objection.

"Wait a minute. Go Byeongdo, you said?"

Was the problem that Kim Giryeo wanted to solve even by borrowing the power of the Korean Magic Tower related to the current association president?

When Esther expressed her curiosity, the man sitting on the sofa explained.

"I was going to tell you about it now anyway. Esther Hunter-nim, do you know what happened to me last week because of that association president?"

Kim Giryeo was telling Esther about the friction between him and Go Byeongdo at a rapid pace.

That Go Byeongdo had sent a foreign errand runner.

And that when he found out about this and went to see him, he shamelessly pretended not to know.

Originally, a lowly being like an F-rank hunter would have a hard time competing with the powerful people of Earth.

Therefore, what the weak could choose at a time like this was this tearful plea.

Of course, he didn't actually try to cry, but he just tried to convey his emotions as much as possible and told his superior about what he had experienced.

"Goodness! That Go Byeongdo used even overseas awakened ones to harm you?"

Esther was enraged.

How could an institution like the Hunter Association, which should protect the awakened ones of its own country more than anyone else, commit such an unacceptable crime!

"No, but why did he bring in that researcher's relative?"

"It's a bit of a complicated issue…"

Giryeo continued the conversation, holding his head with one hand.

"Actually, I have a personal contract with the Hunter Association. He tried to kill me by using that."

Kim Giryeo revealed the 『Knight's Oath』 he had made with the association president.

But this was not a big flaw for him.

The original plan was to threaten Go Byeongdo to get 3 billion won and then change bodies and run away, but he had unintentionally fulfilled his duty.

"I didn't want to be interfered with by selfish humans. Anyway, I'm a hunter who does my job even without separate orders, so it's okay, right? So, when my awakening rank was revealed, I made a contract with the association, meaning that they should not interfere with my activities."

His language skills are improving day by day…!

He shamelessly claimed that he had never thought about the safety of the citizens.

He explained that he didn't make such a contract with bad intentions, citing the Siren and Kagoshima Raid incidents as examples.

"Ha, besides, I… I really just told him that I wouldn't harm the association president to reassure the association. I don't know if he's suddenly doing this because he regrets the compensation for the personal information I received back then."

At this point, lying was more natural than breathing.

Fortunately, the plan was successful.

Esther trusted Giryeo's words and soon came to a conclusion.

"That's right! How dare they repay a hunter's consideration like this! How much has Giryeo-ssi done for Korea!"

Thud.

Esther put down her coffee cup and said.

"Anyway, what was bound to happen has happened. The previous association president wasn't like this, but Go Byeongdo is unnecessarily revealing his hatred for awakened ones to his close aides…"

"Yes?"

"And it was shocking that he used reporters to incite public opinion against Giryeo-ssi."

"Well, that's…"

"When he had just taken office. He dared to say 'that' to me, and I've been so lenient until now."

Three strikes, you're out.

Esther muttered that and then closed her mouth for a while.

The silence didn't last long. She soon nodded as if she had made a decision.

"Okay. Leave this to me."

"What are you going to do?"

"Giryeo-ssi's words mean that you're worried that the association president might commit another strange act of tyranny, right? I'll make sure he can't do that. With the Knight's Oath."

Of course, in order to have a good contract, it would be necessary to lower the other party's authority first.

The source of the association president's power to do nonsense comes from his wealth, so the promise would only proceed smoothly after inflicting some damage on that dirty money.

Esther confidently declared that she was confident that she could prevent President Go from acting recklessly in the future.

But Giryeo expressed concern about this for a moment.

"Esther Hunter-nim. But are you perhaps thinking of doing it physically…? I mean, what are you planning to do?"

"Haha. Why? Is that not okay?"

"Well, because of the association president's position."

"Hmm."

"If you touch him carelessly, it's bound to become noisy. To be honest, I'm a bit conflicted even while asking you for this."

But the woman with the violet hair still maintained a relaxed expression.

"Hmm. It's different from dealing with a convicted criminal, so I have to be careful this time."

Thud.

She put down her empty coffee cup and smiled brightly.

"It's okay. I didn't want to do this at this age, but if it comes to it, I can just get help from my grandfather."

Grandfather?

The blonde man stopped moving as if he was puzzled by the sudden topic.

Then Esther added an explanation.

"Oh, you didn't know? Then do you remember the story I told you when I was stranded last time?"

"Which one?"

"The one where I said that my family was unfortunately well-off. But that's not just in a financial sense."

Giryeo, who was sipping his coffee that had cooled down sufficiently, choked when he heard the next words.

"To reveal it now, my grandfather is a member of the National Assembly. And he has a career that can't even be compared to Go Byeongdo's. So even if we start an all-out war, the association president won't be able to bury me easily."

At this moment, Giryeo realized.

"Yes?"

Not just a simple psychic, but an unparalleled power base.

It seemed that he had come to the right person to entrust the job to.

◈◈◈

How many days had passed since then?

The second president of the Korean Hunter Association. Go Byeongdo.

He had been suffering from an unknown misfortune these days.

『They were making a fuss about a lack of manpower… but the 'executives' are having another bonus party?』

『（Exclusive） Evidence revealed that the ○○ branch of the Korean Hunter Association purchased magic stones by falsely lowering their grade. Police investigation is underway for the employees and appraiser involved…』

Suddenly, the association's flaws were being reported in the news one after another. He was suffering from headaches all day long.

Anyway, there were more things that could be described as bad luck.

Even after a thorough medical examination, the hospital only said that there was nothing wrong with his body.

But while he was suffering from these strange things, such a person suddenly came to visit, so how would he have felt?

"Hello, Association President! It's been a while since we've met in person, not just over the phone."

One day.

Seo Esther, the guild master of the Korean Magic Tower, suddenly requested a meeting with Go Byeongdo, saying that she wanted to have an interview.

"Haha, yes. Of course, I have to make time when our S-rank hunter comes to visit."

Of course, the association president skillfully responded to such a person.

As he had just said, Esther's awakening power was S-rank, so he couldn't treat her as casually as other hunters.

Association President Go Byeongdo pointed to the seat opposite him and sat down on the seat of honor.

"Hmm, time."

But right after that, as soon as Esther sat down on the sofa, she said.

"Putting that aside, I actually came here to ask you to step down from your position."

"What, what did you say?"

"It seems you still don't know anything."

The woman with the languid impression spoke with a face as calm as a placid lake.

"The reports about the association that have been coming out these days. I was the one who was releasing them."

How could she so frankly reveal that she had clawed at his bones with her own mouth?

Esther's tone remained unwavering even after that.

The manipulation of magic stone evaluations that occurred at the ○○ branch. Isn't this clearly a method that you are also using?

Did you think that no one knew that you were colluding with the appraisers at headquarters to cheat ignorant hunters and create a slush fund with the difference?

'What? How did that hunter know about that…?'

This was unexpected?

The association president's gaze, which had been relaxed until now, wavered for a moment.

However, considering the other party's awakening attribute, this was perhaps a natural thing.

Just like she had done to a certain partner, Seo Esther was a being who was born unable to forget her grudges.

"Wait a minute, Esther Hunter. Why did you do a background check on me? Huh?"

In fact, Esther had disliked that man since the inauguration ceremony three years ago.

The previous association president, that is, the politician who was the first head of this institution, was faithful to his duties as he was the one who established the entire current association system.

Such a faithful and good person visited a disaster site one day as the person in charge, and an accident occurred in which he was bitten by a hidden magical creature and died.

Esther was feeling a human sadness at the previous head of the institution's vain death.

━I'm different from that stubborn woman, President Yun. I'm flexible. Let's get along well in the future. Do you understand what I mean? Korean Magic Tower Guild Master-nim.

That's why Esther came to dislike the person she was currently facing.

When everyone was reluctant to take the position because of the previous person's tragic death.

Go Byeongdo, who had coveted power at this time, dared to mention an unfair alliance at the inauguration ceremony.

He said that he would take care of the Korean Magic Tower Guild as the president of the association, so he wanted her to treat him well.

But Esther, who was not very lacking in social skills for a curse sorcerer, endured everything.

'Still, he did his job normally.'

The amount of money that Go Byeongdo was embezzling was honestly at a level that could be considered cute.

It was a drawback that he sometimes went out to play golf during work hours, but he still maintained a good center as the head of the institution.

Even during the Kagoshima Raid, he had coordinated things so that it wouldn't become a diplomatic issue even if he couldn't send an S-rank hunter. Even though that rat was eating away at the storeroom, she hadn't made an issue of it until now.

"How can a human being who is the head of the Hunter Association turn his back on the hunter? Is it logically possible for him to maintain his position safely?"

When Esther made this remark, Go Byeongdo easily grasped the truth.

If you think about it, their friendship had been revealed during the Unfulfilled Malignancy incident.

"Did that friend Kim Giryeo spread false rumors to you as well?"

There must have been a reason why Kim Giryeo believed in the doctor's innocence and ultimately came to him.

For example, his awakening ability was actually an attribute that was advantageous for interrogation.

But in the end, mental skills were just the power of an individual that could not be seen, right?

"Listen, Esther-yang. I don't know what you heard from him, but it's all a misunderstanding. I'm really frustrated and about to go crazy."

The current president of the Hunter Association tried to get out of the situation with a desperate appeal.

No matter what kind of skill Kim Giryeo had, if he could make Esther not believe it, it would be over.

"Because I thought you might say that, I just applied for a loan of the 『Justitia』 from England. And I even had to hold two epic-grade items hostage as collateral."

But he never expected that the other party would come out like this.

"So from now on, I would like you to make your claims as carefully as possible."

"…."

"Oh, looking at your reaction, it seems that what Giryeo-ssi said was not a lie? Actually, I had kept all possibilities open until I came here."

That's when it happened.

Go Byeongdo interrupted Esther and quickly interjected.

"Wait! Please listen to me first. Would I have wanted to do such a thing to a valuable citizen of my own country?"

"...."

"Well, I don't know what Kim Giryeo whispered to you, but I had my reasons. I'll explain."

Go Byeongdo continued to speak, not knowing that the woman's face had turned cold for a moment.

"Because this is a serious matter. I was just worried that that swindler would harm this country, so I had no choice but to do that."

"Swindler?"

"Don't be surprised and listen to me carefully. He's… not a real S-rank!"

But why was that?

He clearly thought that he had pulled out a trump card to change the other party's mind.

"Kim Giryeo is not an S-rank?"

Hahahahaha!

As soon as the guild master of the Magic Tower heard the other party's motive, she threw her head back and started laughing so hard that her lower jaw was exposed.

Ch 194: A Plea （2）

Is this a mockery of some kind?

"Ahahaha! Ah, ha. Anyway, I wondered what reason our Giryeo-ssi had to go through such hardships."

"E-Esther Hunter?"

"Goodness. I really didn't know it would be such an absurd story."

Esther laughed for a long time, tears welling up in her eyes, and only after 30 seconds did she start to continue the conversation.

However.

What flowed from her mouth next was nothing short of a bolt from the blue.

"Anyway, to state the conclusion first, the probability that Giryeo-ssi is not an S-rank is 0%!"

"What did you say?"

"Are you already losing your hearing? Kim Giryeo Hunter is a true powerhouse, guaranteed by another top-tier awakened one!"

And to be mistaken about such a person!

Esther still chuckled intermittently, finding the previous words so ridiculous.

However, as the story progressed, the Association President's face darkened.

Tension. Anxiety.

A middle-aged expression gradually filled with negative signs.

"What… what is the basis for saying 0%? I, I also heard this from a reliable source. From the United States, no less—."

"The United States?"

Esther spoke in her unique high tone, then changed her posture.

"Hmm, then I'll tell you fairly too. Well, my source is in Japan."

She crossed her legs and sat a little more comfortably.

"I went to a founding anniversary event of a guild called Gate Star before, you know? And I met a certain hunter there…"

The identity of the person who was at the party in the United States and had no conversation with Giryeo was this person.

"That's 'Yamasaka Iori'."

The overseas contact she exchanged numbers with was a Japanese wind-attribute S-rank hunter.

"And since I happen to like animation quite a bit, and Iori Hunter is very fond of Korean idols."

"Yes?"

"Since we have an interest in each other's culture, we became fast friends just by exchanging a few emails."

"W-what's the point?"

"Was the introduction too long? The point is that since we got so close, I was recently able to hear about the dragon subjugation from Iori-ssi…"

Esther tilted her head slightly and told the main point that the other party so desperately wanted.

"What I want to say is this. If you know what happened at the S-rank gate in Japan, you can never call that person a fake."

What happened at the S-rank gate in Kagoshima.

The Association President was flustered by Esther's remarks.

Because he was strongly suspecting Giryeo precisely because of the circumstances of the Kagoshima raid.

Of course, the pressure from Spectrum Corp. was the biggest factor in his conviction that Giryeo was a fraud.

'Kim Giryeo, that guy went to Japan as a support role…?!'

Even that man's actions of volunteering to be a supporter were strange enough when you think about it now.

Assuming the other party was a fake S-rank, it was highly likely that this was a smokescreen to hide his lack of skill.

"Hmm, I wonder how much of this I should reveal."

Mutter, mutter.

But even at this moment, the curse-attribute awakened one was just continuing to speak in a calm tone.

"First of all, let me tell you one secret. Giryeo-ssi was perfectly fine even after falling into a poison pit in that poison dragon's nest."

"What…"

"Of course, it's not a particularly great achievement. I heard that other Japanese S-ranks also endured the poison there to some extent."

At these words, the Association President paused his actions for a moment.

"But I don't know if that misunderstanding will still be there after hearing this. Kim Giryeo Hunter, he killed one dragon single-handedly in that dungeon without even getting injured."

"What?"

"Even though it was a normal monster, the dragons there were so tough that Japanese hunters had to hunt them in groups."

That hunter was clearly said to only be helping the Japanese hunters from behind, so how could that man kill a dragon with his own hands?

Moreover, the explanation that followed made even the Association President's lungs feel solid.

The means that the cold-looking hunter used to kill the dragon was a really common and well-known skill.

"And the most important point in the story is that Kim Giryeo Hunter used 『Binding』 in the hunt."

Binding.

It is a magic that commonly appears in the form of a skill stone, and as it has special effects, the process of acquiring it is greatly influenced by an individual's aptitude.

To be precise, if you don't have a talent for telekinesis, your body won't learn the skill even if you use the skill stone.

But if you are lucky enough to learn it, it shows a fairly high level of usability from then on.

C-rank, D-rank, etc.

Unlike other skill stones where the power is often fixed, only Binding always followed the awakened one's specs.

"Perhaps the Association President doesn't know? That the output of 『Binding』 gets stronger in proportion to the awakening power?"

Esther uttered the same sentence that the blonde man had once said.

At this, the Association President tried to refute, but.

"W-well. Even if that's the premise of the skill. Isn't it possible that he manipulated it using other means like items…"

This time, the woman cut off his words with a hearty laugh.

"You only know one thing and not the other. Mr. President, the one who told you the story you've heard so far is none other than Japan's Iori Hunter."

"Yes?"

"He is the holder of the 『Appraisal』 skill!"

The president of the Hunter Association.

If you think about it, this is a job that works in the hunter's industry. There was no way Go Byeongdo wouldn't know anything about the ecology of awakened ones.

"Wait, then could it be…"

Go Byeongdo soon understood the other party's meaning.

Appraisers are those who are more familiar with dungeon artifacts than anyone else.

Therefore, holders of analysis skills often felt the power of items more sensitively than other hunters.

"Yes. That 'could it be' is the truth. I asked just in case, and Kim Giryeo Hunter didn't even wear a 'weapon' during the raid."

That Japanese appraiser judged that.

Kim Giryeo Hunter did not wear any equipment that would increase the power of his skills at the S-rank gate in Kagoshima.

No, it wasn't just power-related items.

Except for the special ability dagger and the small box he had in his pocket, he had practically gone into the raid completely unarmed.

"What you imagined, some kind of manipulation of a great item, didn't exist from the beginning."

…Of course, unlike those words, it actually did exist.

The fact that Giryeo had increased the power of his skills with the Infinite Power Core was impossible for Earthlings, so they could not know the truth of the incident.

"So how can Giryeo-ssi be a fake? There's already plenty of evidence."

"…."

"In the first place, I don't even know why the president misunderstood such a reliable person~ It's even more disappointing that you spread his home address first, and then you were so upset that you were deceived because you regretted paying a mere 3 billion won in compensation and sharpened your knife."

Also, if you assume that Kim Giryeo is a real S-rank, someone in this room has made an unforgivable mistake.

'Kim Giryeo even killed a dragon directly at an S-rank gate? Then, what those Japanese guys said in the interview wasn't just empty words?'

Cold sweat trickled down the Association President's forehead.

Unlike Go Byeongdo's reaction, which was turning into an anxious expression, Esther was just thinking, 'It's confirmed that the Association President called Alai, so I can cancel the Justitia rental. Saved money.'

'Then, could it be that Kim Giryeo, that hunter, is really…'

Someone's misfortune doesn't end here.

The spark created by the Association President's actions has not even properly ignited yet.

"By the way, I've really re-evaluated Giryeo-ssi because of this incident. He looks so cold, but he's spared the Association President, who leaked his precious information, until now."

"Yes?"

"And because you kept whining about how you can trust someone whose rank was hidden by the Association, he even made that contract and personally reassured you."

"…Ugh."

"He seems surprisingly lenient towards petty citizens."

Esther, who muttered for a moment, rested her chin on her hand and scanned somewhere. It was the place where the Association President's bodyguards were standing.

"But what to do? Sorry, but I can't stand it anymore. Whatever misunderstanding there was, I don't want to work with a dangerous seed who can draw a sword on an awakened one anytime they don't like them."

"Listen here. What are you saying so rudely…"

"By the way, if you're going to make excuses again, just give up. I missed the timing earlier, but I absolutely hate criminals with long tails."

Tap.

"We've already given you enough chances. But since you crossed the line anyway."

Esther straightened her crossed legs again and tapped the floor with her shoe in dissatisfaction.

"On behalf of Giryeo-ssi, I'm going to punish you from now on."

"Huh!"

"Let's discuss the matter of Alai after you give up that Association President position first. Everything has an order. Got it?"

The S-rank hunter sitting on the sofa said that, and was about to get up as if she had said everything she needed to say.

Bang!

At that moment, the man sitting on the opposite side slammed the table and expressed his anger.

"Hey, I've been listening and listening, and since when did a greenhorn like you start acting so disrespectful!"

"Oh my."

"I tolerated that ill-mannered way of speaking, and now what? Give up my position?"

Association President Go Byeongdo was huffing and pointing his finger at the S-rank in front of him.

"Let's see if that will be so easy. Korean Magic Tower Guild Master!"

"Hmm."

"Have you already forgotten? I'm the one who was right there when you made a secret deal with the government!"

"Ah."

"I know very well that you've been committing murder in the name of execution!"

But what was this?

He had clearly brought up a weakness that would be fatal if it were reported in the news.

As the Association President continued to speak, Esther somehow started to widen her eyes and smile.

"So what are you going to do about it?"

To state the conclusion first.

The Association President's threat had no effect.

"W-what…?"

"Hey. These days, thanks to privileged people like you acting so tyrannical, there's a widespread distrust of the legal system. So what's the big deal about that?"

Retaliation. Violence. Private sanctions.

These days, people were usually enthusiastic about such sensational things. The purge of a criminal who harmed an innocent person could be interpreted differently by some citizens.

"Go ahead and try to reveal what I've done."

"…."

"But will the new generation only criticize me? Besides, I have politicians and journalists right behind me, so will it even spread properly?"

For reference, she had been worried about this act of purging high-ranking criminals from before.

Separately from thoroughly investigating in advance to ensure that no innocent people were harmed.

It was because there was also the possibility that the government side would use this as an excuse to grab her by the neck, as it was now.

But after a short consideration, Esther had already found a solution to the risk.

"By the way, Mr. President, is your headache a little better now?"

Headache. At the sound of that word, Go Myeongdo's face visibly contorted.

"It's a relief if you're feeling better, but if our Association President does something bad again in the future."

"Huh!"

"I'm a little worried that the heavens will be angry and your condition will worsen again…"

Esther, who was saying this, looked down at the other party with a cold face that didn't even blink.

It means that she maintained a fierce and fearful attitude, no different from the blonde hunter who had asked her for a favor.

At this time, Association President Go Byeongdo realizes that the Guild Master of the Korean Magic Tower used her ability on a person and rejoices for a moment.

Wasn't the other party just making a confession?

Since the recording device is always on in this Association President's office, if he uses this as a new bargaining chip now…!

"Why are your eyes rolling around like that? Is the recording device under that chair?"

But then.

The woman with the languid impression raised the corners of her lips and continued what she had left unsaid.

"I forgot to mention it, but I actually brought some first-class magic stones to this room today."

At the same time, the executive secretary standing behind her opened and showed the briefcase they were holding.

Rattle.

The resources of the dungeon were glowing so brightly that they were blinding.

But this was a dangerous beauty like the yellow-green color produced by uranium oxide.

"So if you had something like a recording function turned on, the sound would probably have been recorded a little strangely…"

Interference that imitated the characteristics of the gate.

Just as the Association President's eyes were trembling, the curse sorcerer of Earth told him with a bright face.

"If you've heard this far, I think you've understood enough. Look forward to it. From now on, it's your turn to be unilaterally beaten."

"Listen here, Esther Hunter!"

"By the way, I think a person's sincerity comes from pain. So, let's talk about the price for messing with a good hunter, after you've thoroughly experienced it."

That the prelude to destruction had begun.

Ch 195: Retirement （1）

Ding-dong.

A small, quaint doorbell sound, somewhat unfitting for the prelude to destruction, echoed through the hallway.

"Yes, I'm coming~"

At the woman's voice from inside, the visitor beyond the door stood with hands behind their back.

After waiting like that, the landlord finally opened the front door.

The person was a woman in her twenties, with her hair tied up in a bun and rather thick-rimmed glasses perched on her nose.

"Oh, you're here! What brings you here, anyway? Hahaha. Even coming all the way to my place."

"Hi."

"Anyway, come on in… Goodness, what did you buy again? You shouldn't have!"

That's right.

Today, I visited Gu Seohyeong's residence.

And, in accordance with the Earth etiquette I learned before, I even bought some food…

◈◈◈

◈◈◈

◈◈◈

Gu Seohyeong.

Come to think of it, it's been a long time since I've sought out an Earthling with that name.

In the past, I would at least show my face when the enchant effect of some cheap ring was about to wear off.

But since replacing my defense with the Sacred Tree Sapling, I really haven't visited much at all.

'Gu Seohyeong's imbuement skills are still unstable.'

Sacred Tree Sapling. Hydra.

In the current situation, with a decent offense and defense, that beginner's enchant wasn't really that crucial.

Her magic is certainly useful for short-term enhancements, but it has a fatal flaw: if a battle drags on, the enchant could wear off mid-fight.

So, I didn't seek out Gu Seohyeong.

She also didn't contact me for a while, perhaps because she was busy.

"Is this a belated housewarming gift? Wow, I saw this bakery's bread on social media and wanted to try it!"

However, the reason why my relationship with her became awkward wasn't just because of her lacking enchantments.

"There's madeleines too! Wow, I really love madeleines. Back in middle school, I used to go to the store and buy them every break…"

To be honest, the most fatal factor was the recovery of my memories.

Last spring, I remembered most of the body's past, and because of this 65% or so of information, I've become very uncomfortable with Gu Seohyeong, unwillingly.

Half of it is the emotions that Kim Giryeo harbored in his past life.

So, feelings like inferiority, jealousy, discomfort, and a little bit of joy would surface whenever I saw Gu Seohyeong.

The other half in my heart was the guilt and anxiety that I, the soul, held.

To reiterate, I feel awkward inside whenever I meet Gu Seohyeong.

"Hey, since you brought bread, should I make some coffee to go with it?"

"No."

"You're so firm."

When an old friend comes, you'd think they'd be happy just seeing their face and smile.

But the thing inside this shell is an alien who has taken over a discarded corpse, so how can I comfortably enjoy this favor?

'Besides, Gu Seohyeong is one of the few people who remembers Giryeo's past. If I make contact carelessly, it seems like she'd easily notice that something has changed.'

I have at least a minimum of conscience.

When I see Gu Seohyeong trying to be nice to someone who's already dead, it still feels a bit awkward.

Therefore, I've been intentionally avoiding meetings with the enchanter recently, but today is different, so it can't be helped.

"Anyway, there's something I need to tell you…"

Thud.

Just as Gu Seohyeong placed the grape juice she brought on the table.

I didn't hesitate and immediately got to the point.

"It's not confirmed yet, but it seems like the Hunter Association's president will probably be changing soon?"

For reference, it's been about 20 hours since I snitched on Esther.

If I wait about a day more, the various slanderous articles that the curse sorcerer revealed will start to surface.

"The president is changing?"

"To be exact, we're trying to change him. Me and another hunter. I have something to pay back to Go Byeongdo, but it's hard to work on it because of his position as president right now."

"Ah."

"But the problem is, since this isn't a natural replacement, there will definitely be some noise in the middle."

I took a sip of the juice in my glass and continued.

"In short, there's a high chance that you, Seohyeong, will be harmed."

The purpose of today was to convey this warning to her.

"It's not certain yet, but considering the president's personality, it seems like he'll try to drag you down when he's cornered."

"That old geezer, me?"

"Well, because you're my classmate."

"...!"

"Wouldn't he try to take you hostage to threaten me if things get bad? Go Byeongdo is the kind of person who would do that."

The connection to an S-rank hunter.

Usually, such connections are beneficial in life, but in Gu Seohyeong's case, it has become a poison.

As much as President Go Byeongdo holds a strong grudge against me, he will use any means necessary if it means he can keep me in check.

'Anyway, Go Byeongdo. Why is that non-awakened one suddenly running wild…'

Gu Seohyeong could become an innocent victim in this process.

Regardless of her rarity as an enchanter, she is ultimately a worker under the Hunter Association.

In a situation where Go Byeongdo, who controls the organization, could be pulling strings behind the scenes, I couldn't guarantee that she would be safe.

"So, that's why I'm saying this."

After imagining various scenarios, I came up with a small solution.

"Gu Seohyeong. Don't be too surprised if I suddenly pretend not to know you starting tomorrow."

"What?"

"From now on, even if I see you outside, I'll ignore you and act coldly."

"Hmm."

"And depending on the situation, I might even say harsh things on purpose. For example… I might say in front of reporters that I don't care if Gu Seohyeong lives or dies."

The enchanter seemed quite surprised by this statement, but it couldn't be helped.

I've seen many people like Go Byeongdo before, and I know that if a hostage is taken, showing that you care about them will backfire.

'Indifference is the best option.'

Fortunately, Gu Seohyeong seemed to understand this approach soon enough.

"I see. Well, I guess that would be better, come to think of it."

Of course, if this method doesn't work well, I'll ask Esther separately, or use other connections to get the enchanter out somehow…

"Anyway, I'm sorry for causing you trouble."

I apologized briefly, with my hand on my mouth.

Honestly, I'm also being unfairly targeted in this situation, so I don't think I need to lower my posture.

Still, Gu Seohyeong is Kim Giryeo's only acquaintance.

'Even though I'm just renting this body, I shouldn't mistreat the landlord's classmate as I please.'

As a cultured alien, I observed the minimum etiquette.

As I was lost in thought, I heard a woman's voice from across the table.

"Hey, but isn't the method you just mentioned too passive?"

"Passive?"

"Well… If there's a problem with the president, there are actually things I can do too. I just didn't tell you. Actually, I've had a lot of problems with the president too."

Gu Seohyeong then suggested with a serious expression.

She didn't want to just sit still, and she wanted to help our plan as much as possible.

"Giryeo, take a look around this house you're sitting in. Who do you think bought this?"

"You?"

"No. If you hadn't taken me in on the rooftop back then… And if you hadn't helped me so much in middle school, I wouldn't have made it this far."

"...."

"I was able to pay off all that debt and live in a house like this thanks to you. It's all thanks to you. You know that, right?"

Seohyeong said that and turned her gaze somewhere.

There, the bright living room of a south-facing house, with clear sunlight streaming in, was laid out.

After being betrayed by her parents and losing her store in a terrorist attack, she had been living in a musty, semi-basement filled with mold and bugs.

"So, of course, I have to help you. If a person has any conscience."

The enchanter declared at that moment.

She would do her best in her position to help her benefactor.

Besides, if someone like you is fighting, it's a hundred to one that the other party did something wrong. This is a problem that doesn't require any hesitation, she said, chattering away.

"Kim Giryeo. I still think I haven't repaid even half of the favor you did for me."

"Really?"

"So, don't feel sorry and come for enhancements more often from now on. You've been hard to see these days, was that because you were worried about my income?"

Always so obvious.

Gu Seohyeong said that and munched on the bread her guest had brought.

"No, it's just that your enchantments weren't that good, so I didn't go…"

In just 5 seconds, a certain D-rank's glare had turned cold, but wouldn't it be fine?

If she could make that kind of glare outside, that enchanter would never be chosen as a hostage.

◈◈◈

『（Exclusive） It has been found that "grade manipulation of magic stones" has also occurred at the Korean Hunter Association headquarters.』

『Shocking truth behind grade manipulation case revealed by police investigation… Was the purpose to create a 'slush fund'?』

『An insider's exposé. Testimony that President Go's item box is full of items prohibited for civilians… "Unfair special treatment" Citizens are demanding a thorough investigation.』

Bang!

About 24 hours after Esther's visit.

A man with a kind-looking face suddenly slams his desk in his study.

He was over fifty, but he looked completely bewildered, as if he had not expected this situation at all.

"No, how did this happen!"

Well, in just one day since Esther's visit, articles targeting him had begun to pour out.

Circumstances of possessing dungeon items prohibited for civilians.

And the fact that he had been colluding with the association's appraiser to swindle unsuspecting hunters and create a slush fund from the difference in gate by-products.

Go Byeongdo thought that at most, the S-rank guild master would threaten him with force, but what he was facing was not such a simple fight.

It was a vast amount of evidence, as if someone had been preparing for years for the downfall of a political enemy.

How could this be!

Go Byeongdo, after confirming his dirty laundry being aired to reporters, held the back of his neck.

"Just when did they start investigating me! I fired that secretary almost two years ago, what kind of grudge do they have!"

It might seem a bit sinister to some, but Esther had a habit of collecting the weaknesses of those who had offended her, thanks to her innate awakening attribute.

And the tenacity of this behavior was truly frightening.

『YTV 9 PM News LIVE ● : Appraisal manipulation spreads like wildfire....』

His name was being broadcasted on all three major terrestrial channels without him having any time to react.

But it was still okay.

During the Unfulfilled Malignancy, he had made a mistake because he didn't think the incident was very important, but he had always been thorough in managing evidence for these slush fund issues, so he could cut off the tail if necessary.

Just like with Alai, he could survive by insisting that he was not involved.

"Hoo!"

Besides, he also had a card he had been saving for a counterattack.

"Did you think I'd just take this lying down? You rotten bastard. You don't even know who's under me…!"

Huff. Huff.

The president muttered curses about Giryeo and picked up a document.

It was an exclusive contract he had made with a certain enchanter.

Because he had the enchanter's leash in his hands.

Go Byeongdo was planning to threaten Kim Giryeo by not giving the enchanter proper work if things got bad.

'Or I'll expose the enchanter's face to the whole world!'

And if Kim Giryeo kneeled to this, Esther, who had been instigated, would naturally stop her actions.

『Everyone, this is breaking news.』

That was the moment.

The announcer's voice on TV suddenly became urgent.

If you listened closely, it even sounded a bit excited.

Because in that short time, the YTV broadcasting station had caught an even bigger scoop.

『The enchanter of Korea, who had been veiled in secrecy, has come forward with further evidence of the president's slush fund creation.

Shockingly, President Go Byeongdo has been accepting illegal solicitations from overseas figures who wanted enchants, while ignoring requests from disaster areas that urgently needed enhancements.

When the worker expressed dissatisfaction with this, the president also did not hesitate to make abusive remarks such as telling the enchanter's guards to "make sure that XX doesn't get out of line."

We will now play the obtained recording file.』

"No, what is this now!"

Clang.

Soon after, the sound of something breaking echoed through the air.

It was the result of Go Byeongdo staggering and hitting a nearby display case.

The trophy from a golf tournament he treasured with his university alumni had just been shattered.

Ch 196: Retirement （2）

At this moment, the image of a certain languid-faced S-rank hunter comes to mind.

If Esther were here right now, wouldn't she be chattering in her unique, clear tone, "Well, you should have known better and stepped down sooner"?

"H-How did things turn out like this, why…!"

But now, regretting it is like a train that has already left the station.

This is why in Alpha Uri, they have always been careful not to provoke curse-type magicians carelessly.

Their retaliation is always passionate.

Persistent.

And they don't stop until their enemy meets complete destruction.

◈◈◈

Bubbling, bubbling, bubbling…

Click.

A morning with the sun shining brightly. New York, the largest city in the United States.

Somewhere in the forest of blue and dark buildings, a young woman looked out the window, holding a freshly brewed cup of coffee.

It's quite early in the morning, but in Bryant Park below, some pedestrians were already out enjoying a light stroll.

The woman with short, gold hair watched the people, who she couldn't tell if they were tourists or Americans, moving like ants for a long time.

"Haaam."

A monotonous morning routine that was just like office workers.

But if there was one difference, it would be that what she was holding in her cup was not ordinary coffee but a hyper-caffeinated drink for awakened ones.

Brooklyn Morgan moistened her dry throat with the steaming drink and rolled her eyes.

In her other hand, she held a new tablet PC that she always used.

『The leader of the hunting association in South Korea....』

But today, there was quite interesting content in the print of the electronic newspaper.

While Brooklyn was asleep, a noisy incident had occurred in South Korea.

It was said that Go Byeongdo, the chairman of the Hunter Association, was deceiving hunters and creating slush funds.

Moreover, until now, the only enchanter in Asia had been working under them with a truly lenient requirement that they could choose their own work priorities.

When it was revealed that Chairman Go Byeongdo had even violated this minimal request—specifically, he had hidden and disclosed enchantment requests that came to Korea as he pleased—the enchanter declared a strike, and now citizens were even holding a campaign to remove the association president.

"Wow."

Anyway, it's a huge mess.

The overseas news site she was reading had a photo of an elderly Korean bowing his head as if apologizing at a press conference.

If you scrolled down a little, it was revealed that even that apology was actually a lie, and a second recording revealed that he had cursed at Gu Seohyeong behind her back, which only fueled the flames.

"How did such an interesting thing happen?"

Did the politicians of that country have some kind of power struggle?

That's how Brooklyn was able to start a Wednesday more interestingly than usual.

In fact, even though the root of all this was in the Spectrum Guild to which someone belonged, she was unable to notice it.

◈◈◈

Beep, beep, beep.

Beep, beep, beep.

And then came Thursday.

"Hmm."

Jeong Haseong, the S-rank hunter representing that country called South Korea, scanned his cell phone with an expressionless face.

『Association President-nim☎』

Haseong dried the water from his body after showering and then indifferently turned his phone face down.

This meant that he was ignoring a call that he would have answered before the second ring in the past.

And this was naturally something that would make a certain middle-aged man go crazy.

"Damn it! Now even this damn bastard is avoiding my calls?"

Huff, huff.

Unlike last week, a rather chaotic atmosphere filled a study in Seoul.

To get to the point.

Surprisingly, it didn't take long for Chairman Go Byeongdo to fall!

A certain curse sorcerer exposed the chairman's wrongdoings that they had gathered, shaking public opinion once, and in the midst of this, the enchanter's revelation became a fatal blow, and eventually, even within the party, there were calls for him to resign voluntarily.

It's a ridiculous sight.

Who would have known that heterogeneous beings like awakened ones would attempt such a full-scale public opinion war instead of magic?

Moreover, in this incident, Go Byeongdo was virtually tied hand and foot and was just being unilaterally beaten.

Esther had threatened that if she announced her execution of justice, she would essentially kill him with her skills, and Gu Seohyeong, whom he had tried to use as a hostage, had acted like a hornet, preempting him as if she had sensed the chairman's intentions.

In a way, it was Gu Seohyeong's exposure that left a more fatal wound in this incident.

So, the chairman was frantically trying to silence the enchanter.

『I'm declaring in front of the reporters, if the enchanter in our country is disadvantaged because of this revelation, I will also go on strike from that day. Try revealing even one letter of that person's name! Do you think I'll stay still? Seriously, it's not like that person is asking for a raise, is it? Is it even right to block someone who just wants to work while prioritizing life for personal gain? Everyone?』

Even that became impossible because the guild master of the Korean Magic Tower stepped forward to protect Seohyeong.

It's miserable. It's a truly miserable result.

Anyway, it's all because of that damn awakening.

If only an era where people suddenly use bizarre magic hadn't come, this absurd situation wouldn't have happened.

'Ugh!'

Go Byeongdo had tried to contact a hunter with a good image as a national hero to somehow reverse this situation. If he received the hero's help, he could reverse the desperate public opinion in an instant.

But as you can see, Jeong Haseong is also deeply involved with 'that hunter,' so he had already received the whole story and blocked the chairman's attempt at negotiation.

Esther, Jeong Haseong, and even the only enchanter in Asia.

To make all those influential people willing to take a loss and move.

'This damn....'

At this point, isn't Kim Giryeo some kind of ability user who can influence the minds of others?

The chairman momentarily thought it was unfair.

In the end, he was only deceived by the Spectrum Guild's false information, but he felt resentful that he was being driven into such a corner by a moment's mistake.

If he apologizes to that fourth S-rank now, will something change?

But Go Byeongdo didn't want to kneel before that young man, no matter what. He would rather lose power in disgrace than experience such a humiliating end.

He still had a lot of power left besides the position of association president.

After all, money is everything in this world.

Even if he gave up this authority, it meant that he calculated that his entire remaining life would not collapse.

Therefore.

"Ha."

Since it was half-confirmed that he would resign from the chairmanship anyway, Go Byeongdo decided to throw mud at his opponent's reputation as a last resort.

It was a petty desire for revenge, as he couldn't bear to see that hunter walking around happily, basking in the joy of victory.

◈◈◈

◈◈◈

◈◈◈

Today is Saturday.

'The weather is a bit gloomy. It feels like the humidity has increased too, is summer coming soon?'

As I always have, I made Jeong Haseong work hard this Saturday and came out of the gym around 6 PM.

And while standing in place with my phone on, I briefly checked if the chairman's handling that I had entrusted to Esther was going well.

That's when someone approached me.

"Kim Giryeo."

"You're here?"

It was the bodyguard I had hired in exchange for a 10-year lifespan limit.

It hasn't been long since I encountered the overseas service called Alai. These days, I've been calling this S-rank hunter every time I go somewhere, just in case the chairman tries to do something strange again.

"By the way, I guess the rumor that you two spar every weekend was just a rumor?"

"Pardon?"

"I've been watching the gym for a while now. But it seems like only Jeong Haseong is using his skills."

But as soon as he met me, Kang Changho made a very stalker-like remark.

"What are you actually doing here with the Rank 1?"

"I was giving a few words of advice from the side and getting paid."

"Advice?"

"Well, you know, this and that…"

But I took it as it was.

After all, I didn't intend to completely hide my schedule with Jeong Haseong.

I just spoke the truth, hoping that a certain assailant's criminal record wouldn't increase. I was being compliant with Kang Changho, having some pointless conversations.

"Hmm, then I'll add some money, so could I possibly get some of that advice too?"

"I'm sorry, but it would be difficult for you, Hunter-nim."

"Why?"

"You're already adjusting your mana well. It's not a joke, but I really have nothing to advise you on."

"Is that so?"

"Honestly, if I could have asked for money from Hunter Kang, I would have said it first."

Next, I got into the bodyguard's car and arrived home…

"Hmm?"

It should have been smooth, but for some reason, the atmosphere was unusual when I arrived in front of my house.

The alley was already full of illegal parking, making it difficult for even one car to pass in front of my house. But today, there were groups of Earthlings I hadn't seen before gathered at the front gate.

People were pacing as if they were waiting for someone.

Moreover, some of them were wearing black microphones on their collars, so this was definitely.

"They look like reporters."

Kang Changho, who was holding the steering wheel next to me, answered for me.

But what does it matter if they're reporters?

Since it seemed like the situation would be the same even if I went around to the back gate, I decided to break through the reporters in front of me head-on.

I was tired from teaching Jeong Haseong all day and wanted to go home early.

"He's here."

"Hunter Kim Giryeo!"

"Hunter-nim!"

As I got out of the car and walked towards the entrance, the reporters rushed towards me.

I gestured to them as if to say, hurry up and say what you have to say.

But the questions that followed were quite interesting.

"We came to visit to check on some news we heard. It's said that the enchanter who recently exposed Chairman Go Byeongdo was actually a very close classmate of Hunter Kim Giryeo. Is that true…?"

"Hunter-nim! I'm from SBC. Just now, our SBC received a report that you incited the enchanter to create discord with the association and tried to use enchantment requests for your own personal gain. What do you think about this allegation?"

Go Byeongdo…

Even after so many wrongdoings were revealed, he's not giving up and is trying to drag this into a mud fight. And this time, he's digging into the relationship between a certain S-rank and Gu Seohyeong.

If you consider the direction of the questions the reporters were asking, it was easy to tell that they were pro-chairman figures.

But there was no need to be afraid of such a fact. It would be different if I had caused this incident alone, but I had the reliable backing of the guild master of the Korean Magic Tower.

'Let's leave the public opinion war to Esther, who is an Earthling. If I leave this alone, that curse sorcerer will take care of it.'

I lightly confirmed the truth that I was a classmate of Gu Seohyeong and firmly denied the other allegations. And I gestured for them to move aside so I could enter the building.

"Hunter Kim Giryeo-nim! Just one more thing, I have one more question!"

However, only one of the reporters gathered here.

For some reason, the man, whose face I vaguely remembered, was the only one who didn't put away his recorder and blocked my path.

His face seemed familiar. Just as I was thinking that, the reporter said this.

"Shockingly, it's said that you didn't grow up in a normal family, but in an orphanage. Is that also true?"

I stopped in my tracks when I heard that.

"Moreover, according to the investigation… it seems that even though you made so much money from the Siren raid earlier this year, you didn't donate a single penny to the institution that raised you so diligently in place of your parents."

The other reporters from the surrounding broadcasting companies had long since turned their heads towards the man who had asked the question.

The fact that South Korea's fourth S-rank was actually all alone with no one to rely on was definitely information that had never been revealed to the media.

"Aren't you ashamed of your actions of ignoring your orphanage classmates?"

The reporter, with his hair neatly combed back, held a small microphone in front of me.

And I remembered.

『'Beast-like' things with no ability?…Shocking outburst from new S-rank』

Come to think of it, wasn't this the journalist with the surname Yang who most actively wrote negative articles about me shortly after I defeated the Unfulfilled Malignancy?