Chapter 62
Translated by: ShawnSuh
Edited by: SootyOwl
When the Warlord’s Sword shattered into pieces like broken glass, the fiery storm ca at Ho Sung. As his face beca pale and his pupils dilated, Ji Yoo pulled him toward her and swung her aura-enchanted rapier, keeping the fire from touching him. Pieces of debris scattered all over, and the fire spread in all directions as if the place was filled with gasoline. Thankfully, the flas soon scattered in the air.
Burned to a crisp, Tae Gyum fell backward weakly.
“Healer!” Ji Yoo cried out, looking back, and the healers on standby ran toward the director.
Confirming that the explosion had died down completely, Ho Sung, looking at least fifty-years older, fell on his butt and sprawled across the ground, staring at the ceiling and chuckling.
‘Central Institute my ass. Useless. They could’ve prevented this from ever happening.’
Teary-eyed, Ho Sung breathed a long sigh of relief.
“Nice work, Mr. Lee,” Ji Yoo said, looking down at Ho Sung and smiling wearily.
‘How is she still pretty at a ti like this?’ Ho Sung thought. Although her smile seed forced, her face glowed with angelic innocence.
“Seoul is safe now, and that’s all because of you. Thank you, Mr. Lee. From the bottom of my heart,” Ji Yoo said, looking at Ho Sung with sincere gratitude.
‘If only they knew... The entirety of Korea as we know it would’ve been wiped off the face of the Earth if it hadn’t been for Min Sung Kang. Though... I guess it’s pretty aningful that I’ve kept Seoul from its fiery end, so maybe, I can give myself so credit?’ he thought. A strange sense of accomplishnt washed over him.
‘... Well, here I am. Still in one piece.’
“I did it,” Ho Sung let out, staring at the ceiling of the prison while chuckling. At that mont, Ho Sung heard a voice call for Ji Yoo.
“Ma’am.”
“How’s he looking?” Ji Yoo asked.
“It was... too late by the ti we got to him.”
At the heartbreaking news, Ji Yoo looked toward the Director of Investigations with eyes filled with tears. Sitting up, Ho Sung stared intently at Tae Gyum’s charred corpse. As noble as the director had been, his death had been far from a dignified one.
—
After the conclusion of the bomb case, Ji Yoo called for a conference. Standing behind a podium in front of countless people, Ji Yoo started off, “Should Mr. Lee not have had the Warlord’s Sword, this city would’ve faced a terrible fate.”
At that mont, the conference hall sank into a heavy silence.
“As you all may rember, two years ago, we had an extensive eting about preparing for potential terrorist attacks. However, our plans never ca to fruition as many of the high-ranking officers and officials believed that our budget wouldn’t allow for them. As a result, here we are,” Ji Yoo said, looking down with sad eyes and sighing deeply.
“Originally, hunters were ant to protect this world of monsters. Saviors, if you will. For that reason, they were given wealth, honor and treated with proper respect,” Ji Yoo said, and the atmosphere grew tense.
“However, I, too, have been blind to what’s really important.”
Looking at the high-ranking officers, who were unable to look up from sha, Ji Yoo smiled subtly and kept on, “I am just as responsible for the recent incidents. In fact, we’re all responsible for what happened.”
Then, with eyes gleaming sharply with determination, she added, “I’m aware that the damage has already been done, but we are planning on taking severe actions against those who are neglecting their duties as hunters. Our vision as the Central Institute is to beco an organization willing to sacrifice anything for the sake and future of humanity. Now, as the Great Lord of the Central Institute, I order you to set aside all personal wealth, fa, and honor, and move toward the redemption of humanity.”
At that mont, the officers in the conference hall rose from their seats simultaneously and saluted the leader of the Central Institute, their determined voices filling the room.
—
“Mr. Lee! Could you give us more details on the situation at the ti?”
“The Institute seems to give you the most credit for dismantling the bomb! How do you feel?”
“The Central Institute stated that you, a level-300 hunter, were the only person capable of solving this case! How did you co to taking up such an important task?”
Ho Sung looked around anxiously at the endless sea of reporters surrounding him and shoving microphones at his face, their caras flashing.
“Ah... So... ”
‘Where do I even start? How do I explain?’ Ho Sung thought, confused and flabbergasted. At that point, he felt it would be best to avoid starting any controversies by keeping his answer simple.
“I was lucky enough to have the Warlord’s Sword in my possession. It was a wonderful weapon that ca with the special ability to disperse magic explosions.”
“Does that an the Central Institute didn’t have the ans to dismantle the bomb?”
“I can’t take all the credit for myself. If it weren’t for all the officers on site, the damage would have been far more catastrophic,” Ho Sung said with a short sigh.
“There’s been a report that a four-star officer was killed in the explosion. What are your thoughts on that?”
At the reporter’s question, Ho Sung’s face fell.
“...”
“Mr. Lee?”
“I think it was a sad, unfortunate incident. I would like to express my deepest respect to the officer who sacrificed himself, carrying out his duty as a hunter to protect his country.”
‘Click! Click! Click!’
As if unaware of the look of displeasure washing over Ho Sung’s face, the caras around him flashed unceasingly.
—
After the news was spread, the funeral for Tae Gyum took place. The death of the four-star Director of Investigations of the Central Institute was of national importance, and the funeral was big enough to be aired on national TV. anwhile, the Central Institute was under severe criticism for their poor response to the terrorist attacks. Nevertheless, the Institute remained undeterred and focused on their responsibilities.
—
Upon arriving at the champion’s house, Ho Sung rolled the window down and lit a cigarette.
‘Here, I am. Still in one piece. Casually smoking my cigarette.’
The fact that he was still alive dawned on him repeatedly. Smoking his cigarette, Ho Sung took his phone out and checked the news, which was obviously overtaken by articles on the recent terrorist attacks. Among them, were also articles on the Central Institute, Tae Gyum’s funeral and Ho Sung’s interview. After appearing on national TV, Ho Sung’s phone was burning with countless calls and ssages from all over, including those from childhood friends he couldn’t even rember.
Putting the phone back in his pocket, Ho Sung turned the ignition off, got out of the car, looked at the champion’s house and sighed.
“What does one do after becoming a national hero? The director’s dead; I’m still a slave to Min Sung; and most importantly, my sword’s been destroyed.’
“Sigh... I could use a drink.”
—
“Sir, how does soju and pork belly sound?” Ho Sung asked.
‘Soju and pork belly, huh...’ Min Sung thought. It was a combo that had stood the test of ti, perfect for satisfying late night hunger.
“I’m sure you have a place in mind?” Min Sung asked.
“Of course,” Ho Sung said with a confident smile.
“Let’s go.”
—
The car ca to a stop in front of a Korean barbecue restaurant. As soon as Min Sung got out of the car, the champion was t by the aroma of grilled pork in the air. Furrowing his brow, Min Sung looked at the sign.
[Dot Chu Ryum]
Underneath it, was a brief definition of the phrase in small letters: to pitch in money for a pig.
‘So, that’s what it ans,’ Min Sung thought, nodding. The na of the restaurant alone was enough to put a smile on the champion’s face.
“Well, enjoy your dinner, sir.”
“Stay.”
“Sir?”
“The at won’t cook itself.”
Clearing his throat, Ho Sung followed the champion into the restaurant, which was much bigger than it seed from the outside. It was bustling with people and filled with the aroma of grilled pork. At that mont, recognizing Ho Sung’ face, the restaurant grew silent all of a sudden.
“Isn’t that him?”
“That’s him! The one who dismantled the bomb!”
“Oh! It is him! Ho Sung Lee!”
“Wow! Isn’t that the guy who saved Seoul?”
Soon, the silence turned into waves of muttering that turned into an explosive applause.
“Great job!”
“This is what a REAL hunter does! What did the Institute even do to help, anyway?”
“Thank you for all that you’ve done!”
“Tell you what, dinner’s on !”
“No! It’s on !”
“Then drinks are on us!”
Ho Sung stood bewildered as the people applauded him from all directions. Looking at him, the champion smiled subtly and said, “Let’s sit.”
With that, the two sat at a table by the window.
“I’m terribly sorry, sir. Seems like I’m stealing your thunder...”
“Ho Sung Lee.”
“Sir?”
“I can’t stand that kind of attention. From now on, you’re gonna have to be in front of the caras on my behalf.”
“Of course,” Ho Sung replied, smiling bitterly. Hearing that, Min Sung glared piercingly at Ho Sung and asked, “What’s that supposed to an?”
“It just... It sounds like sothing you would do. You know, like you’re ant to do great things. I didn’t an anything bad by it.”
Then, Min Sung looked down at the nu in his hands and said, “Well, I could use so suggestions. Seems like there are two different kinds of pork belly, and one is slightly more expensive than the other. Would you say this is a you-get-what-you-paid-for situation?”
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