“Dear participants.”
The tap of polished shoes echoed cheerily across the stage. A hand in a white glove applauded at a leisurely pace: clap, clap, clap. The sound carried unwaveringly from the stage to the closed door at the back of the auditorium.
“As the host of this party, I must first express my gratitude. Your enthusiastic participation in the ga leaves in awe.”
ChatterBox spoke as if he truly were just a typical host—or perhaps the head of a broadcasting company. At his signal, a massive screen descended to fill the wall behind him. On the screen appeared the plaza scene. Soaked hunters stood amid the water as a ssage window announced the ga’s end. As it was a broadcast feed, everyone appeared in their original forms.
The image shifted to show Yuhyun embracing as I leapt into the circle... Seeing my face blown up that large was mortifying.
“Final results: tie-win—37 participants; solo win—1 participant! Congratulations.”
Since ChatterBox was the announcer, I listened half-heartedly until he continued.
“The winner will receive twenty gold coins and, as a special prize, an S-rank item voucher.”
My ears perked up. An S-rank item for a consolation prize? And nearly forty winners? Truly transcendent generosity! Damn, I should have let Yuhyun and Peace win... and Yerim and Director Song! I felt pangs of regret for Seong Hyunjae and Gyeol too. Though Seong Hyunjae probably has plenty of S-rank items already.
Other hunters couldn’t hide their delight. Receiving items imdiately was nice, but the fact that even a side ga’s prize was S-rank was thrilling. Who wouldn’t look forward to the top prize?
“Congratulations.”
Ceremony assistants handed gold coins and vouchers to the winners. I wondered: if there’d been a solo win only, would the prize be larger? Three hundred gold coins and thirty S-rank items... If so, no one would have combined forces to stop it.
I returned to my seat, sneaking glances at the others. I felt a bit sorry.
“It’s fine, really.”
Yuhyun whispered beside .
“Still... you got fewer than twenty gold coins.”
Thanks to Yuhyun and Peace’s relentless assault, only about half the police remained to award.
“Now, let us present the special prizes.”
ChatterBox stepped aside a few paces and gestured to the screen. Within it appeared Yuhyun. The Ruler’s Sword swung, a police-uniford hunter barely raised a blade to block—and with a tallic crack, the spear shaft split apart in an instant as the black blade slamd down onto the hunter’s shoulder.
The scene abruptly changed:
“Krrgh!”
The hunter crashed through a display stand and barely hit the ground. On a building rooftop, Yuhyun dismounted, stepping on a willow leaf; the next shot showed the hunter’s head severed, rolling across the ground.
“Most Victories Award: Han Yuhyun, who slain thirteen police hunters!”
“My brother!” I slapped my thigh and exclaid. Wow, Yuhyun really took them down. I wondered how many Peace had faced—thieves, asset holders, even fellow police. Regardless, Yuhyun’s tally was unmatched.
‘Thieves mostly assist, so the best targets are police: no witness penalty and everyone except the chief can attack first. Naturally, the thief fights those in the way.’
“If I’d known there was an award like that, I’d have done more fighting!” Riette lanted. If Kang Soyeong had been police too, Riette might’ve won. I felt a spark of gratitude toward ChatterBox.
“Hunter Han Yuhyun’s unstoppable charge inspired many. Here is the highlight scene with the most recomndations.”
“Am I up next?”
A hunter, looking around, entered a gas station. The cara angle swiftly panned upward, showing Yuhyun standing on the edge of a building, overlooking the station. A crimson lizard crawled across his outstretched hand, transforming into a long spear wreathed in dark blue flas. As the spear shot forth, a hunter, unaware, appeared in the fra. The flaming spear whistled through the air; the hunter belatedly raised a shield, but the spear pierced the station’s concrete floor instead.
Then:
“KWA-BOOM!!”
Flas flooded the screen, so dazzling they burned the eyes. Viewer comnts scrolled above the inferno:
└ At that mont my eyes went blind and my monitor exploded
└ Please sell a replay, I beg youㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ
└ Lol battlefield scene #1 is gas station explosion; overall #1 is giant cat-bro, right?
└ Guild Leader Hayeon was the most spectacular—fire attribute for the win
└ Reminds of the Cologne 3U incident—three zombie dungeons erupted simultaneously. We should’ve called Hayeon then; no spread fire
Yuhyun ascended the stage. Even though he faced ChatterBox, I felt my heart swell—awards always stir emotions. I should have prepared a bouquet.
“Ten gold coins and a special prize.”
Ten coins! Now Yuhyun had more gold than even the standard winners. The special prize arrived in a small box.
“Next, the Popularity Award—most votes—Hunter Park Yerim and Hunter Song Taewon team!”
“Congratulations, Yerim! Director Song!”
I applauded eagerly, then felt sorry for Director Song. Yerim, what did you do to earn popularity too?
“Thank you, thank you~!”
Yerim clambered onto her chair’s backrest, nodding and bowing.
“Yerim, give Director Song a hand!”
“Yerim is aweso! You’re the best!”
Yerim teleported to Song Taewon’s side, tugging at his arm, which was twice her size. Though the stage lights shone equally, Yerim seed to glow while Director Song looked dim beside her.
‘Director Song, I’m sorry.’
I resolved to cause fewer mishaps myself... though I doubted I could.
“Team YeSong sparked buzz since practice matches.”
The screen showed Yerim carrying Song Taewon as they flew across the sea.
└ I love Team YeSong!!!!!!!!!!!!
└ Princess Song—I’ve been a fan since Crazy Song, love you
└ Disney collaboration please! Christmas is near, let’s build a giant ice castle in Tis Square
└ And Princess Song must sing her heart out
The image changed to an ice crown gently landing atop Song Taewon’s head. He stood surrounded by elaborate ice motifs, looking both weary and resigned. Was that Tis Square behind them? Yerim spun and extended her hand to dance with him.
[Everyone! Cue your own background music! We’ll add plenty of special effects!]
“...Hunter Park Yerim?”
Noah, who’d co to check on the Lawless team, exclaid in midair.
[Oh? Brother Noah? You too—!]
[My apologies.]
Noah slipped away as Yerim, disappointed, conjured an ice flower to tuck behind Song Taewon’s ear. He gently declined. Oh, Yerim...
“Popularity Award highlight scene!”
At ChatterBox’s cue, Song Taewon racing across the ocean appeared. Ice jets soared, frozen fireworks burst, and a caption read “Copyright cleared,” all to a familiar soundtrack.
└ Park Yerim! Park Yerim! Park Yerim!!!!!!!!!!!!!
└ A public servant’s dazzling escapade
└ Director Song, please contact for dress sponsorship; we’ll treat you like royalty
└ Team YeSong was amazing, Yerim, I’m so happy for youㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ Song Director, cheer upㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ
“Thank you, everyone! I love you too! Director Song, a heart for you!”
Yerim ford half a heart with her hands. Director Song, silent yet now accustod, placed the other half to complete it.
“Yes!”
“...Song.”
“Please continue to support us!”
Should I have launched Yerim into the entertainnt industry? It suits her. Even now, maybe there’s ti. Ten gold coins and a special prize went to each of them.
Next on screen:
“Peep!”
“Peace!”
Peace appeared in a police uniform and cap—so cute! Cute Award, perhaps? A brief clip played of Peace trotting along a path.
“Grrr!”
The silver fairy dragon yanked Seong Hyunjae’s hair, tail lashing in adorable indignation.
“This award was created by popular request. The Lovable Mount Award: Peace and Hangyeol!”
“Peace, let’s go receive your award!”
– Kya-ung!
I scooped up Peace and dashed to the stage. My companions are undeniably lovable. Ah, look at these videos. Seong Hyunjae arrived with Gyeol in tow.
└ Peaceㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ I love youㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ
└ Director Han is lucky—Peace and Hangyeol got awarded together
└ Dodam’s baby monsters are so cute; check out the Ppiyak and Bellare duo—they raided the kitchen again! Video [link] PpiyakBell love you
A caption explained that Hangyeol’s in-ga dialogue had been loosely translated from Seong Hyunjae’s guidance—but it wasn’t entirely false.
“The Lovable Mount Award is S-rank mount equipnt.”
Gyeol fluttered proudly toward Seong Hyunjae. A ceremony assistant presented him with a tiny ring—an anklet of cut diamond. A similar anklet, differing only in size, was then given to Peace. I accepted it on Peace’s behalf and checked the item:
[“Ondine Otter’s Ripples” ? S-rank
An antique fairy-type blessing ring. Grants four-legged species the blessings of healing and quenching thirst.]
Healing likely boosts recovery; quenching thirst, perhaps eliminating dehydration. As equipnt, it probably raises base stats too.
“Thank you~ Peace, show your paw!”
I placed the ring on Peace’s paw. It glead briefly, then its transparency and Peace’s fur concealed it entirely—he didn’t seem uncomfortable.
Next, a consolation prize was given to the first-eliminated hunter: a al voucher to a famous Manhattan restaurant. Even the priciest place is pocket change for S-rank, so it felt more teasing than comforting. A few other minor awards followed.
“Finally—”
ChatterBox paused mid-sentence.
“As the na implies, Channel ChatterBox is a broadcast. Thus, ratings are paramount.”
He’d ntioned viewer-based rewards—wait. Could it be?
“The personal viewership award for this ga goes to Hunter Seong Hyunjae, who recorded the most viewers!”
Seong Hyunjae rose from his seat. I stared as he walked to the stage. Of course—the slave chatroom was the only unfiltered feed. Desperate viewers must’ve flocked there. Indeed, many comnts urged people to the slave channel.
‘Halfway through, that blocked information was crucial.’
I’d fooled many, and likely fooled Yuhyun and Hyunah and Riette when eting them. Each ti, the slave chatroom must’ve erupted.
‘...No need to feel sorry!’
He’s perfectly capable—why worry? Seong Hyunjae must’ve expected his own broadcast to top the ratings. Damn, I was going to ask for my coins back! No—give them all to Gyeol!
“Hunter Seong Hyunjae’s broadcast drew countless viewers seeking ga information.”
A huge screen showed Seong Hyunjae «N.o.v.e.l.i.g.h.t» in his simple attire, lounging in a prison cell.
└ Without the slave channel, I would’ve died of frustration
└ Just his face is hilarious
└ His explanations were thorough. He answered hunter questions too.
└ So sweet playing with the baby dragon
└ Most mature, calm, and kind among S-ranks—aside from the bureaucrats
...Wow, the hypocrisy. I wanted to protest in the comnts. Then the clip of rescuing him played... Aaaah! I covered my eyes; Yuhyun patted my shoulder, puzzled. Yuhyun, I’m dying of embarrassnt. I peered through my fingers: “Hyung, that’s Seong Hyunjae!” Argh, stop pitying him, you idiot!
└ Acting skills on pointㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ
└ Didn’t know there was another side to the Guild Leader Seong
└ Giving up his win at the end to help tie for first was amazing...
└ He seems so close with Director Han
Luckily, the feed ended as they left the basent. Delete the video, please...
“For the personal viewership award: thirty gold coins and a special prize.”
‘To Seong Hyunjae!!’ I cheered inwardly. He took the most yet again! Why did I feel sorry? He’s more than capable of looking after himself!
“Thank you, viewers.”
Seong Hyunjae accepted his award with a gentle, soft smile. Everyone’s being fooled—they have no idea how he tornts Director Song! It’s all an act! I wanted to leap onstage and shout: “It’s a con!” Don’t fall for his brazen face!
“The awards are all concluded, but there is one person I wish to personally thank.”
ChatterBox’s gaze turned to . Other hunters looked my way. Yuhyun and Yerim frowned simultaneously.
“Hunter Han Yujin!”
ChatterBox extended his hand, inviting onstage. I climbed up with a bright smile.
“Not only did you excel in this ga, but throughout the entire party, your performance was outstanding. As host, I couldn’t be more pleased.”
“Thank you!”
Then at least give more gold. ChatterBox stood beside and affectionately draped an arm around my shoulder. Yuhyun, don’t try anything. Hold Peace back so he can’t dash forward.
“Regardless of the ga’s outco, I want to give you a gift.”
“If you offer, I gratefully accept!”
His eyes laughed behind the mask. I returned his smile.
“I will prepare a gift worthy of Hunter Han Yujin’s satisfaction. We look forward to your future exploits!”
A gift, he said. I won’t refuse—but more importantly...
“Let’s talk for a mont.”
I leaned toward ChatterBox, speaking so softly my lips barely moved—audio off, of course. He looked down at ; no answer, but he’ll contact .
“And now, dear participants, you have a rest period until tomorrow. Personal broadcasts remain available, so feel free to use them!”
The ceremony concluded.
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