Solo Leveling Chapter 67

Hyung-nim! Now that the raids are over, how about we celebrate with a hearty al?

As they were driving back ho, Yu Jin-Ho cautiously asked.

Celebrate? But, theres no one with us, though?

The raid team was disbanded as soon as the last raid was completed. Even Hahn Song-Yi said that she had soplace she had to stop by, so there were only Jin-Woo and Yu Jin-Ho in the van.

Yu Jin-Ho spoke as if he was embarrassed by sothing.

Ive been receiving your help all this ti, hyung-nim, so like, I just wanted to treat you to a good al, at least.

Why was he having so much trouble saying the words Lets have a al together?

Jin-Woo chuckled wryly.

Since the kid was implying that he wanted to splurge on a grand feast, there was no reason for Jin-Woo to refuse the invitation, now was there?

Alright.

Yu Jin-Hos expression brightened considerably as soon as Jin-Woo said okay.

Hyung-nim! Should I take you to this restaurant in a certain hotel that I know? They know how to make a an steak, you see.

No, not sothing like that.

Unless such dishes ca out in public engagents he simply had to attend, Jin-Woo would rather prefer to eat a simpler al in peace with Yu Jin-Ho in an easy-going, relaxed atmosphere.

What a good timing it was, since he spotted one such place that fit the criteria.

The tip of Jin-Woos pointing finger pressed on the vans window.

How about that place over there?

Ahh, you wanted to enjoy han-wu, hyung-nim? (TL: han-wu Korean beef. Much more expensive than imported beef.)

No, the place next to that one.

Yu Jin-Hos eyes narrowed to a slit.

A restaurant next to that one. He could only see a common diner there.

[Day of Flower Blooming on Pork Belly thinly-sliced pork belly specialists]

By any chance, are you talking about that pork belly place, hyung-nim?

What, you dont like pork?

Yu Jin-Ho grinned refreshingly.

Not at all. I also love pork belly, hyung-nim.

They parked the van in the nearby parking lot and went inside the diner, only to find the place was packed to the brim with patrons, as well as part-ti workers busy moving around without a mont of rest.

Right now, it was seven in the evening. No wonder the diner was so full.

Welco. How may I help you?

One of the part-ti workers walked over with a smile and engaged the two n.

How many custors will we be serving this evening?

Us two.

Please follow .

After hearing Yu Jin-Hos answer, the part-ti worker guided the two n to a spot in a secluded corner.

However

Hold on for a second.

Yu Jin-Ho took a look around, and pointed towards the empty table by the windows.

Cant we sit over there?

Im sorry, sir. That table has been booked already.

A large group mustve made a booking, because several tables had been brought together. Currently, they were all empty.

Yu Jin-Ho stared at the empty tables with a rueful expression and shook his head. In the end, the two of them had to occupy the most secluded, out of the way spot in the diner.

Yu Jin-Ho lowered his head in sha.

Im sorry, hyung-nim.

Theres nothing for you to apologise for. I was the one who suggested that we co here, anyway.

Even still, I shouldve taken you to a bit better spot than this one.

Jin-Woo smirked and lightly patted Yu Jin-Ho on the shoulder.

Dont sweat over such things and enjoy the food, okay?

Actually, Jin-Woo was inwardly worried about a scion of a chaebol finding the taste of such cheap at to his liking or not.

Also, even though I didnt say anything, but well.

Jin-Woo scanned his surroundings.

He could see people, and then, more people.

He spent quite a lot of his ti in a silent apartnt with no one in it, so he kind of enjoyed this hustle and bustle.

Here are your orders of three portions of pork belly, and two bottles of soju. (TL: Soju Korean distilled spirit.)

Soon, the part-ti worker brought out their orders.

Sizzle

The thinly-sliced portions of pork sizzled enticingly on the heating plate. And sure enough, pieces of at began disappearing real fast. Fortunately enough, Yu Jin-Ho seed to like it.

Well, the thing is, and my friends frequent pork belly diners whenever we have the chance, hyung-nim.

Oh, really? Friends from the university?

Yes, hyung-nim. Its just that, I seem to mix better with friends from my university rather than the classmates from the expensive private schools I went to.

Jin-Woo smirked slightly and nodded his head. If it was Yu Jin-Ho, then that sounded about right.

Here, let pour you a glass, hyung-nim.

Yeah, you too.

Gulp, gulp, gulp.

They filled their glasses with soju, clinked them a little and one-shotted them.

Kyaha.

Unlike Yu Jin-Ho, who was imnsely enjoying the bitter taste of soju, Jin-Woo could only frown deeply in unhappiness.

Mm? Hyung-nim, is sothing wrong?

No, its nothing.

Jin-Woo could only stare at the empty glass with a bitter expression on his face. He had forgotten one crucial fact about his body, what with him being so busy lately and all.

Tti-ring.

[Harmful substances have been detected.]

[Effects of Buff: Detox will now comnce.]

[3, 2, 1. Detoxification has been completed.]

I forgot that I cant get drunk anymore. D*mn.

It was the sa story regardless of how many glasses he knocked back.

Tti-ring, tti-ring, tti-ring..

As long as the buff Good health and Long Life was in effect, soju would remain as only slightly bitter-tasting water and nothing more. Jin-Woo angrily spat out a cuss in his mind.

God d*mn it.

Rather than drinking bitter water like an idiot, he decided that itd be infinitely better to order a soda, instead.

Excuse .

A part-ti worker hurriedly ca over to their table.

I want to order two more portions of pork belly, as well as a bottle of Sprite, please. (TL note at the end.)

Okay, please wait for a mont.

After the waiter left, Yu Jin-Ho began tilting his head.

Hyung-nim? Why didnt you order more alcohol?

Im not that good with alcohol, you see.

Jin-Woo replied, his expression not even changing slightly, but as usual, Yu Jin-Ho didnt quite catch that. Instead, a loose smile crept up on his alcohol-tinged reddened face.

Hyung-nim still has a humane side, like this one.

Yu Jin-Ho kept on giving him a strange but aningful look, but Jin-Woo simply ignored him outright.

Its not as if he started acting strange all of a sudden just today or anything.

Actually, he was getting curious about sothing else here.Th. most uptod/at nvels a/re published on n(0)velbj)n(.)c/o/m

What are you planning to do from now on?

When Jin-Woo asked in a serious voice, Yu Jin-Ho sat upright like a job seeker waiting for his job interview to start.

As soon as I complete a simple written test at the Hunters Association, they should issue my Guild Master licence right away, hyung-nim. Im planning to negotiate with my father with that licence in hand.

Determination flooded in Yu Jin-Hos eyes. He had invested a lot of his own moolah for this purpose, and there was no room to retreat now.

Besides, I also made a promise with hyung-nim, too.

The Guild building he promised to Jin-Woo. That part of the bargain could be upheld only after Yu Jin-Ho successfully persuades his father, Yu Myung-Hwan, to install him as the new Guild Master.

On the other hand, Jin-Woo was feeling rather liberated.

Sure, itd be nice to get my hands on that 30 billion Won building.

But well, that would only be an added bonus to him. His real purpose had always been levelling up. While entering all those rank C Gates, he had reached a far higher level than he initially bargained for.

In other words, he had achieved his goal.

And the results of his frantic levelling up spree?

One punch from him, and the rank A Hunter with a guaranteed annual salary of billions of Won, Kim Cheol, lost his consciousness. Just like that.

At the bare minimum, I can make more money than that guy now.

If one possessed excellent abilities, wealth was sure to follow. There was no need to feel nervous at all. And his relaxed mindset could clearly be seen on his deanor.

Jin-Woo began reminiscing about the last few days and smiled to himself. It was at this mont that Yu Jin-Ho asked him a question.

What are your own plans now, hyung-nim?

Oh, ?

Did I ask sothing that I shouldnt?

Yu Jin-Ho thought like this and flinched slightly. But he breathed a sigh of relief after spotting Jin-Woos relaxed expression.

Ill be out of reach for a while, actually. Theres this place I have to go to, you see.

That one sentence caused Yu Jin-Hos face to harden visibly. After forming an expression of an abandoned puppy, Yu Jin-Ho emptied the soju glass in one go.

Tap.

He then placed the empty glass on the table, filling it up back to the brim. After knocking back another glass, he began to open his mouth with so difficulty.

Hyung-nim. Please tell straight if Ive been bothering you. If thats been the case, I shall make sure never to bother you again in the future.

This idiot.

The mont Jin-Woo said that hed be out of reach, this idiot mustve misunderstood his words again.

Jin-Woo scratched the side of his head and asked a question instead of a proper reply.

Hey, Jin-Ho.

Yes, hyung-nim?

What do you think of as?

Well, I.

Yu Jin-Hos eyes rolled around this way and that as if he couldnt co up with a good enough answer, before he raised his head.

Hyung-nim, I have a brother whos over ten years older than .

Jin-Woo rembered hearing that from sowhere.

The firstborn son of Yu Myung-Hwan, Yu Jin-Seong.

My brother doesnt really like , so I think, the ti I spent with him is far shorter than what Ive spent with you, hyung-nim. Compared to him, you have saved my life, helped out with my dream, and.

Yu Jin-Ho stared straight at Jin-Woo.

To , youre more like my real brother than him, hyung-nim.

He was still a bit scared of Jin-Woo, though.

Still, hed never, ever forget these past few days following around Jin-Woo for the rest of his life. Indeed, his respect was far greater than fear of Jin-Woo at this point.

If you see as your brother, then.

Jin-Woo smiled deeply.

Ill think of you as my younger brother as well.

Hyu.. Hyung-nim.

The tip of Yu Jin-Hos nose reddened and he began to get teary-eyed all of a sudden. If that was all, itd have been fine, but then, he tried to get closer to Jin-Woo out of nowhere.

Hyung-nim! I want to give you a big hug! Its fine, right?

Hey, hey!! Youre drunk, dude!! Stop it!

No, thats not true! Hyung-nim, Ive never been this clear-minded in my life before! Hyung-niiiiim!

Say that with your eyes open, will ya?!

Waaaail~~!

Either he was far too moved by his emotions, or he just was a bad drunk, Yu Jin-Ho collapsed over the table and began crying his eyes out, prompting Jin-Woo to pat him on the shoulder.

Soon enough, Yu Jin-Ho fell asleep and the table had quietened down now.

Hah-ah what a helpless kid.

Jin-Woo leaned back on his seat and lightly clicked his tongue.

Yu Jin-Ho.

He was a troubleso kid in many ways, but for so reason, Jin-Woo didnt find him dislikeable at all.

Next up on the bulletin.

Jin-Woo heard that voice and shifted his gaze over to its source.

A TV mounted on the wall of the diner was showing a news bulletin.

Is it nine in the evening already?

He thought like that and stared the screen, only to spot soone rather familiar appearing there.

Huh?

Jin-Woos eyes widened.

It was none other than Baek Yun-Ho, and he was being bombarded with an unending stream of questions from the reporters as he exited from the White Tigers headquarters.

Is it true that there was a huge incident during the training of your new recruits?

Is it also true that only the lower ranked Hunters returned alive while all the higher ranked ones had perished?

What do you think about the rumour of a mystery person allegedly aiding the survivors during this incident?

Baek Yun-Ho was doing his best to ignore the reporters, but in the end, he had no choice but to respond.

This incident has been investigated by the Association already. It was true that there was an incident, but there was no mystery helper at the scene. No, the White Tiger Guilds proud Hunters combined their powers and managed to clear the upper-rank dungeon.

And many Hunters lost their lives or got injured during the process. That is all.

Another reporter quickly fired in a follow-up question.

If thats the case, why are you forbidding us from interviewing the survivors?

Those folks managed to avoid deaths doorstep by a hairs breadth. So, why do you wish to speak to those people regarding this deeply traumatic event? Thats as far as Im prepared to answer you people.

Baek Yun-Ho made a quick getaway from there after climbing into a car.

Jin-Woos eyes remained wide-open.

They were talking about , right?

A little while ago, sowhere in the Eastern United States of Arica.

A shrill scream exploded out inside a certain dungeon.

Uwaaaahhhk?!

A Hunter nad Jas plopped down on his butt.

His legs had lost all strength and he could only crawl on the floor to run away. But when he realised that he only managed to corner himself against a wall, despair quickly dyed his expression.

Oh, dear god!

The rank for this dungeon was estimated to be A. And in order to clear this Gate, suitable Hunters were recruited to form a raid team.

However, every single one of them was annihilated. Technically speaking, they werent dead, but unconscious on the floor, though.

I cant believe this!

Jas leaned against the wall and breathed heavily before roughly shaking his head around several tis.

Today had been a series of truly unbelievable events.

When the raid team entered the dungeon, they could not find a single monster. Because there was seemingly no monster inside.

A dungeon without monsters?

Can such a thing even exist?

If that was the case, where did the magic power emission that the asuring equipnt had picked up outside the Gate, co from?

The Hunters ca up with all sorts of theories by themselves.

This was already a hard-to-believe phenonon, yet sothing even more shocking was waiting for them by the boss room.

When they entered it, they did find a single monster.

And it looked exactly like a human being.

Indeed, there was only one, but.

From that monsters single attack, every raid team mber lost their consciousness. This creature proved to be far, far too powerful for them.

Only Jas had sohow escaped from the boss room.

Wait, could it be that all the magic energy emission detected on the outside of the dungeon is coming from that thing alone??

The asurent took place far away, from outside the Gate itself, yet its magic power was already exceeding the level of a rank A?

Jas shook his head again.

Thats just f*cking impossible!

But then.

Hah. This, really now.

That lone monster walked out from the darkness and stepped into the light.

Jas began screaming once more after he saw the approaching creature.

U, uwaaaahk?!!

Uh-whew. That hurts my ears, you know.

The monster no, an Oriental man with long, unkempt hair and a bushy beard roughly scratched the top of his head.

Ah, aaaah.

Jas no longer scread but began leaking out scared gasps instead.

The mystery Oriental man stood before Jas and placed his hands on his waist.

What the hell?! So, who told you to attack first without warning?! I told you that Im not a monster, but a human being. Im a human!

Unfortunately, Jas could not understand a single word of this strange language. Naturally, his complexion progressively worsened.

The Oriental man stared at the terrified Arican Hunter with a troubled expression on his face.

Eventually, he spat out a long, long sigh.

Dang it. What a pain, trying to talk to these big-nosed foreigners.

In any case, he tried to initiate another conversation one more ti.

He squatted down low enough to match the Aricans eye level and did his best to sound as friendly and non-threatening as possible.

Hey, hey, man.

He could recall a few English words. With such a poor grasp in that language, he couldnt really tell if he was making any sense at all, grammar-wise.

I, am, a, Korean.

So, he tried to enunciate every word to the best of his ability.

I, want, to, go, ho.

< Chapter 67 > Fin.

(TL: Originally, the raw said our MC ordered cider, but the thing is, in Korea, all non-alcoholic soda-like beverages with clear colouring, like Sprite, are colloquially referred to as cider. Not sure how that ca about, though.

So, if you hear/read about soone ordering cider in other forms of Korean dia, such as Kdramas or other KR novels, dont be surprised, as there is no alcohol involved.)

(TL: In case you havent noticed it yet, the mystery Korean man had been speaking in Korean, while Jas was speaking/thinking in English.)