Hunter Association — Part 1
In the ga, this character wasn’t an ally NPC but rather a villain.
So why was he here?
“It’s an honor to et you. I’m Warrior Kim.”
“Hoho, the honor’s all mine.”
The Hunter Association President chuckled softly.
But the more he laughed, the sharper his eyes beca, giving him an increasingly snake-like impression.
Outwardly, I returned the smile while recalling the character’s background.
With over 10,000 hours in the ga, I had committed every piece of information to mory.
The Hunter Association President, who was the boss of an assassination organization, wasn’t a major villain, so it took
a mont to rember.
‘Right. He was originally from the Hunter Association.’
He had caused so sort of incident within the association, which eventually led to him being pursued by the current, or rather, future Hunter Association President.
But what exactly was that incident?
Unfortunately, Arcane Seoul didn’t go into those details.
Back then, I’d simply moved on without giving it much thought.
“Huff, huff… Sorry I’m late!”
“Director Kang, how many tis have I told you to be punctual?”
“Haha, apologies, President.”
While we were chatting, the door swung open.
A familiar face entered.
A round face, with hair starting to thin at the forehead.
An ever-smiling, cheerful deanor.
He was known among players as the “Easygoing President,” an NPC who handed out easy, profitable quests like flowing water.
Currently, he was Director Kang.
Director Kang’s face lit up when he saw .
“You’re the one who hunted the Mountain King, right? Oh, this is a pleasure! I’m Director Kang Kisuk. Feel free to call
Kisuk.”
“Haha, you have quite a sense of humor. I’m Warrior Kim.”
“Hahaha! Thanks to you, I’ve been strutting around at ho lately, acting like a big shot! Please, if you catch any more creatures like the Mountain King, make sure to sell them to !”
“Ahem.”
The Hunter Association President cleared his throat, interrupting.
Director Kang smacked himself on the back of the head.
“Ah, where are my manners? Shall we sit down and talk? Oh, President, did you tell him yet?”
“I was just about to. And Director Kang, weren’t you supposed to be in China?”
“As important as hunting the Imoogi is, they’ll manage just fine without , don’t you think? Deputy Director Song and Chief Sung are going. Those two can handle it.”
“Yes, I suppose.”
“So, I decided to return to see the Mountain King’s hunter and to participate in the team-building event.”
“Is that so? Good thinking. Yes, Director Kang’s participation will add so flair. There’s been no end of complaints that I’ve only been favoring the Yeoncheon faction lately.”
“Well, you should have paced yourself, don’t you think?”
“Ahem!”
Yeoncheon faction?
While I ntally noted this unfamiliar term, Director Kang grabbed my hand enthusiastically.
“So, Superhuman. You’re joining our association, right?”
“I’m considering it.”
“Oh, co on, don’t hold back! Just join us, like a real man! Do you know the benefits of joining our association?”
“What benefits are those?”
“First of all, hunting permits! Once you’re a mber, you can hunt up to Level 2 protected species freely. Of course, that excludes rare creatures like the Horned Tiger, but still! Just keep an eye on the numbers to avoid extinction.”
“Don’t forget the tax benefits.”
“Of course! Tax benefits! You’re aware that hunting permits co with a hunting tax, right? We cover all of that. Association mbers receive discounts, and the association even takes care of any remaining hunting tax for you.”
“They cover the taxes too?”
“Absolutely! As long as you sell your ga to us. It’s not a bad deal; we purchase at fair prices. And if you know how to butcher the ga yourself, even better.”
Director Kang rattled off an endless list of benefits.
Doesn’t his mouth ever get tired?
Even in the ga, he had a reputation for being a chatterbox, bombarding players with dialogue.
If I didn’t stop him soon, I felt like my eardrums would start bleeding.
I raised both hands, giving him a weary look.
“Alright, alright. I’ll join.”
“Haha! Wise decision. That’s what I like to hear. Now, about the application form…”
“Director Kang, there’s no need for you to handle that personally. Just leave it with the Managent Bureau.”
“Oh, right. Of course.”
“Welco to the association, Hunter Kim. Though the paperwork isn’t finalized, I’ll approve your mbership right now under my authority.”
“Thank you, Hunter Association President. And thank you, Director Kang, for explaining everything. I’ll work hard.”
Can I leave now?
I’d love to relax with a cup of coffee, but it didn’t look like Director Kang had any intention of letting
go.
“So, Hunter Kim, you’ll be attending our team-building event too, right?”
“Team-building event?”
“Yes! Our Hunter Association President has been pouring his heart into organizing this association event for months. We’re departing today.”
Do I really have to go?
I barely have enough ti for my training as it is.
Even the Hunter Association President looked slightly reluctant.
“The attendees have already been confird, and the schedule’s all set…”
“President! It’s just one more person; what’s the harm? A team-building event is all about group hunting, feasting on at, and drinking. If we don’t take him along, he might feel left out. This is why people keep saying you only care about the Yeoncheon faction!”
“Ugh, fine. Fine. What do you say, Hunter Kim? Since you’re a mber now, why not join us? We’ll be going to a hunting ground known only to our association, so you’ll have the chance to encounter so rare ga.”
Ah, so that’s the main point.
A secret hunting ground. Rare ga.
I nodded willingly.
“Sounds good. I’m interested in hunting.”
Rare ga sotis granted traits if consud, after all.
“But can I ask one question?”
“Go ahead.”
“What’s this Yeoncheon faction you keep ntioning?”
Doesn’t sound like a gang.
The Hunter Association President’s face twisted into a sour expression.
Director Kang chid in, clearly delighted to have caught him off guard.
“It’s the Hunter Association President’s faction.”
“A faction? Well, I suppose any group of people tends to form cliques, but isn’t it unusual to give them official nas?”
“Let
explain.”
After giving Director Kang a sharp look, the Hunter Association President spoke.
“It’s not nad after . It’s called the Yeoncheon faction because we’re aiming to establish an exclusive hunting zone in Yeoncheon.”
“An exclusive hunting zone?”
“Yes. Frankly speaking, our association’s position is precarious. If the two armies revoke their permissions, we could be dissolved in an instant.”
That was true enough.
Most of Korea’s monster zones were near the DMZ.
Jirisan? Taebaeksan? Hallasan?
Those areas were cleared long ago.
To hunt high-level monsters above Level 5, you’d have to venture into China or Russia.
“So, securing an exclusive hunting ground for our association is the goal of myself and my supporters. The Western Army controls Paju and the Yellow Sea, while the Eastern Army oversees Cheorwon and the Taebaek Mountain Range, making Yeoncheon the most feasible location for us.”
Sounds like a reasonable objective.
“Co on, President. That’s not the real goal, is it?”
Director Kang interjected with a playful smirk.
“Listen, Hunter Kim. Our Hunter Association President’s true aim isn’t just to create an exclusive hunting zone. He wants the association to be recognized as the third legion. Just like the Cheorwon State or the Paju State, he envisions forming a Yeoncheon Principality.”
A Yeoncheon Principality? A third legion?
I was speechless, staring at him in shock as the Hunter Association President defended himself.
“It’s not impossible. There are already plenty of officials who support the idea. With their help, it could beco a reality in 10 or 20 years.”
“Well… I don’t an to overstep as a new mber, but don’t you think the two armies exist because their Commanders are just… exceptional? They’re war heroes and independence activists, the most dedicated supporters of the governnt back in the day. And most importantly, they’re both Level 8. I acknowledge the Hunter Association is an impressive and vital organization, but comparing it to those two Commanders might be a bit much, don’t you think?”
The two Commanders are still alive.
They might have partially withdrawn from the front lines, but their legend remains.
It’s no exaggeration to say that the legions—the two armies—exist because of their charisma and abilities.
“If the goal is simply to establish a third legion and form a principality, I get it. After all, there’s that saying: aim high to achieve at least a small part. But listen, Hunter Kim. The problem is that instead of improving his own skills, he’s busy currying favor with politicians.”
“Director Kang, how many tis do I have to tell you? Realistically, this is the only way. Gathering support from influential figures—what other options do we have?”
“Improve your skills! If you could reach Level 8, everything would be solved!”
“There it is again, that obsession with raw strength. Do you think leveling up is easy for either of us? I’m not exactly Leviathan, am I?”
Both of them belonged to the Reinforced superhuman category.
The Hunter Association President’s blood-red eyes and razor-sharp fangs marked him as a biologically mutated Reinforced type, while Director Kang was a more common cyber-implanted Reinforced.
Though they appeared human, the magical glow in their eyes and the reinforced, thicker-than-normal arms were clear indicators.
The downside of Reinforced types.
They level up quickly at first, but progress slows drastically later on.
They have to find and synchronize with the right mutation factor or implants, which requires both imnse effort and a lot of luck.
In the ga, this was represented by the massive experience requirents.
“The key is to secure as much support as possible. Of course, as you said, it would be ideal if I was able to get to level 8, but that’s just not possible. Isn’t that exactly why we’re recruiting Hunter Kim here?”
The Hunter Association President looked
over intently.
“I have high hopes for you, Hunter Kim. I did so digging and discovered you have quite a remarkable track record. Rising from Level 1 to Level 4 so quickly… among ordinary hunters, there’s no one like you. Only soone with the talent and pedigree of Director Seo, whom you may have heard of, could accomplish sothing like that. If you were to reach Level 7, or even Level 8, the position of association Hunter Association President would be insignificant. I’d make sure you beco the third Commander.”
His eyes glead.
The light of ambition simred, tinged with bloodlust.
Under the Hunter Association President’s gaze, I recognized that familiar emotion.
Greed and self-interest.
Promising
the presidency?
Declaring he’d make
the third Commander?
As if!
This man would never settle for being a second-in-command.
He’s the type who’d need to trample over others and look down on everyone from above to feel satisfied.
‘So this is it.’
Now I understood why the association had split.
Why the current Hunter Association President eventually beca the boss of an assassination organization in the future.
Why Director Kang ended up sitting in the Hunter Association President’s chair.
And perhaps…
‘Could it be… this team-building event is the turning point?’
Originally, Director Kang was supposed to be in China.
But he altered his plans to co back just to et .
Likely to keep the Hunter Association President in check.
If soone like , a rapidly advancing superhuman, aligned with the Hunter Association President, it could spell trouble for him.
If so kind of incident was supposed to happen here, what if Director Kang’s unexpected presence altered the course of events?
‘Damn.’
Whatever happens, it’s unlikely to be good for .
What if I just sit back and watch, and then sothing happens to Director Kang?
He’s the “Easygoing President” who showered players with easy quests and rewards.
People like him are worth protecting.
Even while I was furiously calculating in my head, I kept a pleasant smile on my face.
“Level 7, huh? Just the thought excites . I’ll do my best to reach it.”
“Thank you. Honestly, within our association, you have the greatest potential, Hunter Kim. After all, you’re a Warrior type, aren’t you?”
“Indeed. If Hunter Kim were to reach even Level 6, let alone Level 7, our association’s status would soar. And if you were to reach Level 8, a third legion would no longer be a re dream.”
“Make sure to give him plenty of support, Director Kang. You know how I am with these things. I’ll focus on what I do best.”
“Please, sir, just don’t do what you think you do best…”
The conversation ended there.
When I stepped outside, the atmosphere was buzzing.
It seed everyone was excited about the upcoming team-building and hunting event.
After I finished filling out my mbership form and stepped out, Director Kang waved
over.
“Hey! Hunter Kim! Over here!”
“Do you need sothing?”
“I was hoping to catch a ride.”
“Pardon?”
“Heh, I didn’t bring my own car… I was in such a rush to get here that I ended up taking an air taxi. Almost missed everything!”
The hunting grounds were located in the plains near Cheorwon.
Most of the other cars had already departed.
I started the engine and pressed down on the accelerator.
“You seem to have quite a few grievances with the Hunter Association President. Though he does seem like a passionate individual.”
“Oh, I won’t deny that. Our President is certainly capable and dedicated. But the problem is that he’s neglecting his own level advancent and focusing all his efforts externally. Superhumans are defined by their combat prowess, aren’t they? If he strengthened his own skills—and ours along with it—everything else would fall into place.”
“It’s not that simple, you know. Once people reach Level 5, they tend to leave the association.”
“Ah, exactly—that’s the issue.”
At Level 5, a superhuman is universally acknowledged as a high-ranking individual.
They don’t need to hunt monsters for money or accumulate mana anymore.
Most start their own businesses or join one of the four major forces.
So choose to beco Guardians by entering large dungeons or great rifts, but that’s rare.
“The Hunter Association is a profit-driven organization. It’s not a military institution. Without offering tangible benefits, growth will be challenging. Exclusive hunting grounds? Well… unless Level 5 monsters start spawning out of nowhere, there’s a limit.”
“Exactly! That’s what I’ve been saying. The President’s the only one who doesn’t see it.”
Vrooom!
The car sped down the road, with Director Kang rambling on in the passenger seat.
He alternated between criticizing and praising the Hunter Association President, lanting that he wasn’t always this way—that his personality changed after injecting so peculiar mutation factor—and then went on to talk about his family, the weather, and even ancient history.
My eardrums were about ready to burst from all the chatter.
With an exasperated expression, I opened the center console between the driver’s and passenger’s seats.
I pulled out a plastic bag.
I tore it open with one hand and brought the contents to my mouth.
A small, round, black object that looked a bit like a chunk of tire.
“What’s that?”
“It’s a licorice candy.”
Known as a Finnish delicacy, it was the acquired taste necessary to unlock the [God’s Tongue] trait, just as slling Surstr??mming was essential for the [Keen Nose] trait.
After hesitating for a mont, I popped one into my mouth.
This candy was rumored to taste terrible…
“Gaaah!”
As soon as I bit down, a horrifying taste flooded my mouth.
What is this taste?
What on earth is this flavor?!
The first sensation was saltiness.
Then, as the salt faded, a bitter, astringent aftertaste crept up.
And the stench! It stabbed at my tongue and nose like a putrid spear!
When I was a kid, I’d once chewed on raw licorice root—it had tasted like bland grass. But this was like soone had doused it in chemicals, piled on salt, and added a hint of ammonia from a public restroom!
“You’re just going to eat it alone? Give
one too.”
Director Kang reached over and grabbed a handful of the licorice candy.
He looked at the candy, tilting his head in curiosity, then tossed the whole handful into his mouth.
No! Don’t do it!
You’ll regret it!
Sure enough, his face contorted like a crumpled piece of paper.
With a creak, he slowly turned his head to look at .
“Y-you… Are you trying to kill …”
–TL Notes–
Hope you enjoyed this chapter. If you want to support
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