Chapter 29
Yoo Chan-seok’s success in clearing the class 2 Erosion Zone in Tsushima was quickly reported to certain high-level figures.
Regardless of country, the heads of the Hunter Associations all received news of Yoo Chan-seok’s solo victory in a class 2 Erosion Zone, and Partner Hunters from the world’s top fifteen Hunter companies were no exception.
“Get a clear picture. A solo clearance of a class 3 Erosion Zone and a solo clearance of a class 2 Erosion Zone are on completely different levels. Bring every scrap of information you can find.”
“What the hell is that guy!?”
Between class 3 and class 2 there was a wall that could not be crossed. Likewise, between class 2 and class 1 there was another wall that could not be crossed.
Typically, a class 2 Erosion Zone would see at least two or three teams dispatched from a fairly large company, usually led by Partner Hunters.
A man who had rushed back with information on Yoo Chan-seok handed a file to his company’s Partner Hunter and began speaking.
“The Erosion Zone in Tsushima had only recently been upgraded to class 2.”
“So what, you think you could just stroll in there alone and clear it? The Tsushima Erosion Zone is a solo-dominion type!”
That ant no other Erosion Zones existed in the area. The entire island of Tsushima was dominated by a single Erosion Zone. Even if it had just beco class 2, its danger level could not be considered low.
While nurous companies and associations were moving busily after hearing about Yoo Chan-seok, Lee Se-eun was in a barracks in Cheorwon, stirring a cup of strong black tea loaded with milk and sugar as she spoke on the phone.
“How was that, I did well, didn’t I?”
— Splendid.
Lee Se-eun was speaking with Kang Hoon, Partner Hunter of Jannabi Team 1.
“He was soone I could tell from the start we wouldn’t be able to secure anyway.”
— Right. At this level, it was wise to erase the debt and quietly pull back.
Taking a sip of tea so sweet it was nearly syrup, Lee Se-eun stood up.
“Boss, how many people do you think are showing interest?”
— Every company you can na is interested. Among the corporations, Embargo Tower and Sandra & Gupta are making the most active moves.
Hearing that, Lee Se-eun let out a short exclamation.
“Wait, Embargo Tower? Well, that’s rare. Those people never show their faces.”
It was an Arican company, but headquartered in Dalseong County, Daegu. It specialized in ICT fields such as data security and encryption, big data analysis, and vaccine developnt.
It was not well known to the general public, but many companies needed Embargo Tower’s skills, so among influential circles it was very well known.
— The two companies I ntioned seem to be considering hiring for an official request, while the others appear to be assessing marketability.
In other words, they wanted to use him like an advertising model.
“Then the dia will be in a frenzy.”
— Bad enough to make the trip back from Tsushima rough.
Lee Se-eun clicked her tongue.
“Yoon Sung-hyun must be in quite a bind.”
— No kidding.
He had planned to recruit him as a Junior under his team, but then Yoo Chan-seok had gone south for a bit and returned having solo-cleared a class 2 Erosion Zone.
“Yoo Chan-seok is now a talent you can’t handle without giving him Partner Hunter status.”
That was now proven. Otherwise it would be like an amateur football club president trying to keep Son Heung-min under him. At the very least, Yoon Sung-hyun stood no chance.
— Lee Se-eun, be honest with . How do you think it would’ve went with you?
“Hmm? ? What? Oh, I get it.”
It was the question of whether she herself could have cleared a class 2 Erosion Zone solo. Narrowing her eyes at the teacup, Lee Se-eun replied.
“Boss, I’m ranked tenth on that prestigious list. For the second year in a row.”
For a Hunter like her, solo-clearing a class 2 Erosion Zone was child’s play.
“Don’t tell you can’t do it? You’re ranked just a little higher than .”
— How painful. I’m being compared to a rookie who had just beco a Hunter.
Yoo Chan-seok was simply outside the norm.
— Anyway, get in touch with him soon. I’ll reach out to Embargo Tower to confirm the request details and sort out the terms and paynt.
“Sounds like you’re thinking of working with him?”
Kang Hoon answered over the phone.
— If possible. We’ll first wrap up negotiations with Embargo Tower and then propose working together as a joint effort.
“He’s really beco a big shot huh.”
For a freelance Hunter, getting a cooperation proposal from Jannabi, of all companies, was extraordinary. Exceptional. Rare enough that every superlative would still feel lacking.
“The Embargo Tower’s CEO is lvin Vega, the negotiations won’t be easy. You’ll have your work cut out for you.”
— Yes, hopefully eting that sly man face-to-face will be worth it.
* * *
When I opened my eyes again, I saw the night sky. My head felt hazy.
“Seems you’re back with us.”
It was Han Sang-ah’s voice. My shoulder, wrecked by the strike, was set with a sling and splint, and my wounds were bound with tourniquets and bandages.
“Tourniquet hurts like hell.”
This wasn’t the kind of pain you could describe calmly. It was the kind that made your vision swim.
“Without it, it wouldn’t work.”
“I know that much.”
The tourniquet had a ti mark written on it. It looked like she had done everything possible in this situation.
“I contacted the association for dical support. A helicopter should be on its way.”
I nodded.
“Oh right, I picked up a sword. You can have it.”
The five minutes Han Sang-ah had bought with that Taekwon-piercing were invaluable. And given that I had blown through a drug worth as much as a building, a single sword was cheap in comparison.
She glanced at the sword lying beside and replied.
“A fine blade. Thanks. My old sword broke, actually.”
After thanking , she poured hot water from the burner into a cup to make tea.
“You’re awfully relaxed.”
“I’ve done everything I can. Now there’s no need for to rush.”
Fair enough. Panicking wouldn’t make the wounds heal faster. My phone rang.
“Hand it here.”
She passed it to .
— Hunter Yoo Chan-seok?
From the voice, it was the head of the Japanese Hunter Association.
“The job’s done. I kept my word.”
The Japanese association head sounded as giddy as a beagle on a sugar high. No wonder. Thousands of approaching monsters had vanished in one blow after all.
— The damage to Fukuoka was far less than we feared. I truly didn’t expect you to clear a class 2 Erosion Zone.
The Paradoxical Fla really was perfect for clearing Erosion Zones. No need to restrain the firepower, so its maximum output on Earth was unmatched.
“That’s good to hear. I trust you’ll pay the agreed reward.”
— Of course. We’ll send it as soon as possible. We’ll never forget this support you gave us.
People always say that, but I never expected them to help when I’m in trouble. When they are doing well though, they’d trip over themselves to help.
Just like a bank. When you’re in trouble, they demand repaynt. When you’re doing well, they offer you more loans.
“Ah, here cos the helicopter.”
With the sound of rotors, a blinking light approached from the sky.
“They didn’t have to hurry like that.”
“Agreed.”
The helicopter landed and people rushed out.
Their manner was as formal as if greeting a president. I felt certain my mission in Tsushima was accomplished.
They wouldn’t dare treat lightly now. If I kept playing things this close to the edge, even when the transfer market opened, Yoon Sung-hyun wouldn’t be able to do anything to .
“God, my body aches.”
My shoulder, smashed from blocking that monster-like old man’s sword strike, required surgery.
Normally, the bone would be set, screws put in, and then ti would be needed for it to heal. But with recovery agents, there was almost no downti, so I could move again right after surgery.
“What kind of room size is this?”
Was this a hospital room or a hotel suite? My body was fully healed, but I was kept for two more days as a precaution.
They had put in a single VIP room in the hospital. By eye, it was at least 1600 square feet.
“I’m Bradley Piazza from the Embargo Tower.”
In that spacious, luxurious room, I was now speaking with an unfamiliar face. He even looked like a foreigner.
“Are you Italian?”
He shook his head.
“Italo-Arican.”
I see. After greetings, he smiled and spoke.
“The hospital room, treatnt costs, and other expenses were covered by Embargo Tower. If you find anything unsatisfactory, please tell us.”
“It’s the first ti I’ve heard of your company.”
He nodded.
“We’re not well known to the public. The nature of our work makes that so.”
He stood and continued.
“The costs here aren’t small, so I imagine you want sothing.”
Bradley nodded.
“I should say, I didn't make this request, so know that I could always refuse.”
“That’s unfortunate. Our company would very much like to work with you.”
A sly one. He took an apple from the fruit basket and began peeling it with a paring knife.
“It’s quite a large request. We’re checking the willingness of other Hunters, too. Want to peel this into a rabbit shape?”
“No thanks. Who are the other Hunters?”
As he cut off a piece and popped it in his mouth, he answered.
“Jannabi has agreed to work with us this ti.”
I brightened after hearing that and responded.
“Jannabi? Really?”
Seeing my reaction, he looked briefly surprised, then smoothed his expression and nodded.
“Then would Hunter Lee Se-eun be involved?”
His eyes narrowed. He was probably thinking, What’s this guy playing at?
I laughed and scratched the back of my head.
“The thing is… it was love at first sight.”
It was a lie. I had no idea what kind of person he was, what Embargo Tower did, or what their standing was.
And he hadn’t told a thing. If he was hiding sothing, I had no reason to show my hand.
“Hunter Lee Se-eun huh. I believe Jannabi’s third team leader is busy with a mission in Cheorwon.”
“Ah…”
I put on a look of visible disappointnt. I could almost hear the gears turning in his head. I wonder how he was judging right now.
“Well, in that case, I’d like to think it over.”
Having solo-cleared a class 2 Erosion Zone, my skills were already proven. The next question was whether I could be handled. No matter how good a horse, if it refused a bridle, it was just a wild one.
I’d just told him openly how to put the bridle on. His next move would be obvious…
“I’ll see what I can do. Get so rest.”
He stood, bowed, and left. I watched the back of his head until the door closed, then leaned back on the bed.
There was no way that the next visitor would be this Bradley.
“They’ll want to find out if I really fell for Lee Se-eun or if I’m just a fool who loses his head over a pretty face.”
If it was the forr, Embargo Tower would have no way to put a leash on . If it was the latter, they would decide I wouldn’t be hard to control.
“Go ahead and try.”
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