A S-Class Hunter With Great Agility - Chapter 119

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 119: Butterfly Effect (2)

 

Hunter Management Agency.

 

Inside the serene conference room decorated with natural wood, two people were seated.

 

Of course, one of them was quite far removed from the standard definition of ‘person.’

 

“Come to think of it, I heard support personnel came from Korea.”

 

The non-standard existence, that is, the S-rank Hunter, opened his mouth. He was a young man wearing a dark-colored yukata.

 

“I’d like to hear about that.”

 

The man’s light gray hair was neatly maintained. Thanks to this, he exuded the atmosphere of a young master from a good family.

 

“Ah, yes. Hanasaki-san. This is the Hunter I guided through immigration today.”

 

Sato Hiroki, who had been standing in front of the beam projector, answered. He turned the materials with a tense posture.

 

“However, no particular reputation has been confirmed. Moreover, his rank is only A-class, so he’s scheduled to return home soon.”

 

“Already?”

 

Hanasaki Ren. The man with that name rested his chin on his hand as if puzzled.

 

“Why?”

 

“Ah, well…”

 

Sato swallowed and continued speaking.

 

“Since he’s not S-rank, the executives’ judgment is that he won’t be of much help in this serial murder case.”

 

‘Of course, there were some peculiar points…’

 

Sato refrained from mentioning what happened during the mana measurement.

 

Whether he saw an illusion or not. That amount of mana didn’t make sense in the first place.

 

‘…It must have been equipment malfunction. Definitely.’

 

People naturally tend to turn away when faced with things beyond their common sense.

 

“Hmm… That’s strange to say.”

 

“Excuse me?”

 

Tap.

 

Ren tapped his cell phone.

 

“I just saw something interesting.”

 

Not long after, an article appeared on the beam projector screen.

 

“This is….”

 

[Exclusive] Sudden D-rank Dungeon Break at Tokyo Ginza Market…. The resolver was a Korean Hunter?

 

“Is this correct? The face of the A-rank Hunter you guided.”

 

Sato’s eyes widened in surprise. The man in the photo attached below the article was definitely the same person he had seen this morning.

 

“…Yes. It appears to be correct.”

 

At that answer, Ren adjusted his sleeve and spoke.

 

“Read it. The content written there.”

 

“….”

 

“Shall I read it for you?”

 

Soon Ren moved his lips with a neat expression.

 

“D-rank Dungeon Break. The cause was delayed discovery of a Gate that appeared in the sewer.”

 

“….”

 

“Due to the high foot traffic in the area, the management office’s emergency response was delayed by about 15 minutes.”

 

His precise pronunciation without missing anything calmly read the article.

 

“Then what appeared was a Hunter wearing Korean ‘Hanbok’… and his summoned creature in the form of a tiger.”

 

Sato followed Ren’s voice to check the last sentence of the article, then pressed his lips tightly shut.

 

“The time it took for them to kill all the Green Goblin specimens was only 3 minutes.”

 

Ren pushed his chair back and stood up from his seat. The two Japanese swords stuck behind his back caught the eye.

 

“The Hunter who disappeared without revealing his name or nationality…. All the tourists and locals at the market praised him as their ‘benefactor’.”

 

“….”

 

“Hmm, there must have been Japanese Hunters on vacation nearby as well. But this foreign man was faster. Even though it wasn’t something happening in his own country….”

 

Well.

 

“There was no hesitation.”

 

The S-rank Hunter in yukata smiled brightly.

 

“I like it.”

 

“Then….”

 

“Rather than an early return home, wouldn’t it be better to receive help? That’s why we came here, after all.”

 

A person with enough authority to easily overturn even the claims of the Management Bureau’s Executive Board.

 

Sato barely managed to nod at his words.

 

* * *

 

The next morning, Jung Su-jin and I were sitting together eating the hotel breakfast.

 

“Such a thing happened? You must have been very surprised.”

 

“No. I wasn’t particularly surprised….”

 

I handed the Sweet Bean Jelly Box to Jung Su-jin and told her the complicated story behind it.

 

Then Jung Su-jin nodded and said.

 

“A dungeon that appeared in the sewer…. Well, I heard that Japan has a well-established system but their methods are analog. It’s not unreasonable that they didn’t discover it in time.”

 

She convinced herself and accepted the gift.

 

“I’ll enjoy eating this. Thank you.”

 

“Not at all. By the way, I’m not sure if I did the right thing. I didn’t even reveal my name because I was worried they might hold me responsible.”

 

“Hmm…. It’s true that the procedures are complicated when a foreign Hunter handles a dungeon break. If it’s just D-rank, it’s simpler to quietly let it pass as Eun Hae-dam did.”

 

Jung Su-jin agreed.

 

“However, it might have been posted on the Internet or in news articles. Since the rank was so low, it’ll probably be buried quickly, but I’ll check it once too.”

 

‘Ah, the Internet. I didn’t think of that.’

 

Partly because I’m not very familiar with it, but from my perspective, it was no different from killing a swarm of ants bothering people on the street—nothing special….

 

I forgot about it as soon as I returned to the accommodation. Where did I sell my mind to, really.

 

“It’s fortunate there were no casualties. You did a good deed coming all the way to Japan.”

 

At her praise, I embarrassedly shrugged my shoulders.

 

“Now please tell me about today’s schedule.”

 

“Ah, yes. Of course.”

 

Soon after, the purple-haired Awakened adjusted her glasses. Then she took out her tablet PC.

 

“I received an email from the Japan Hunter Management Agency around yesterday evening.”

 

‘An email?’

 

When I showed a questioning expression on my face wondering what the content was, Jung Su-jin showed me the tablet screen.

 

“It was about the work you’ll be cooperating on regarding this serial murder case, Hunter.”

 

On the screen was displayed what appeared to be an official document written by the Management Agency.

 

“To explain it simply…”

 

“….”

 

“It’s a job escorting one of Japan’s S-rank Hunters.”

 

I slightly furrowed my brow and asked back.

 

“Escort?”

 

An S-rank Hunter at that?

 

| The work I used to do, now it looks like you’ll be doing it. |

 

The Mountain Lord, who was sitting secretly next to me without Jung Su-jin knowing, laughed lightly.

 

I muttered quietly to him.

 

“…But it’s strange, isn’t it? Just think about someone escorting Sister Yu-kyung. Doesn’t that not make sense?”

 

Honestly, that was true. All the S-ranks I had seen so far were uniformly powerful.

 

Not just their strength, but their innate personalities themselves had a feeling that was somehow difficult to intrude upon.

 

The concept of ‘protecting’ them didn’t establish itself well in my mind.

 

“Hunter?”

 

“Ah, it’s nothing.”

 

Jung Su-jin asked back with curiosity. I came to my senses and pressed firmly on the bridge of my nose.

 

“It is a bit strange. For an Awakened of that level to receive an escort.”

 

The other person nodded.

 

“I understand. From what I think, if he becomes a target of Fox Mask, it seems Mr. Eun Hae-dam, as a foreign Hunter, would play the role of buying time.”

 

“Hmm….”

 

‘Well, that killer was said to only target Japanese people.’

 

Thinking about it that way, it made sense. Still, they’re entrusting me with a more important mission than expected….

 

‘Honestly, I thought they’d kick me out for being A-rank.’

 

To suddenly change their mind, what’s the reason?

 

I put down the chopsticks I was holding and pursed my lips.

 

“Still, it doesn’t seem like something worth trusting and entrusting to a foreigner with lower awakening levels than yourself.”

 

‘What if I just run away?’

 

What are they thinking?

 

However, just as I was lost in thought, I heard someone’s voice from behind me.

 

“Still, I wanted to try trusting you once.”

 

“…?”

 

I turned around.

 

“Hello, good morning.”

 

There stood a young man wearing a yukata.

 

“May I join you? I know it’s not proper etiquette, but I haven’t had breakfast either.”

 

A man with his hands hidden within his sleeves. Light gray hair neatly arranged, with an overall languid impression….

 

‘He’s S-rank.’

 

I could tell without even activating Spiritual Sight. I could recognize this level of presence at a glance.

 

“…Yes. Please do.”

 

I nodded reluctantly. Such a sudden visit.

 

Fortunately, instead of taking the seat next to me where Mountain Lord was sitting, he headed to sit next to Jung Su-jin. Now we were facing each other.

 

“It’s nice to meet you. Shall we start with introductions?”

 

The joining was as natural as flowing water. How should I put it, he had proper etiquette ingrained in his body while also showing slight signs of pushing forward relentlessly.

 

‘Even this is befitting of an S-rank.’

 

Soon after, the other party introduced himself.

 

“My name is Hanasaki Ren. My surname is Hanasaki, but please feel free to call me ‘Ren-san’.”

 

I already know that. I can even ‘see’ that much.

 

[Status Window]

 

Name: Hanasaki Ren

 

Rank: S

 

[Stats]

 

Stamina: 267 Strength: 278 Agility: 288

 

Mental Power | 199 Mana | 254

 

[Skills]

 

Fighting Spirit (P) lv.4

 

Unity of Spirit, Sword, and Body (S) lv.3

 

Dual Sword Style (S) lv.5

 

Four Pillars / Dark Fortune

 

I glanced at the other party’s Status Window and opened my mouth.

 

“My name is Eun Hae-dam.”

 

“…Jung Su-jin.”

 

Ren smiled brightly upon hearing those introductions.

 

“It was good that you came wearing a translator. Those are wonderful names.”

 

He said that while briefly placing an order with a passing hotel staff member.

 

“Just one cup of coffee here.”

 

“…Oh. Yes, yes.”

 

The staff member looked at Ren’s face and answered in surprise. His recognition seemed quite impressive indeed.

 

So the reason such a person came here. I can guess.

 

‘This person is the S-rank Hunter who will receive my “escort”.’

 

Sure enough, Ren expressed interest in me.

 

“You went to the market in Ginza yesterday, didn’t you? I heard about your activities.”

 

…? How did he know that….

 

“Where did you see…. Did an article come out by any chance?”

 

“Yes. When I compared it with the photos, it was you.”

 

Oh no.

 

I exchanged glances with Jung Su-jin. It seemed the news had spread faster than expected. Well, that was natural. Even if it was a low-grade dungeon break, it still happened in Japan’s capital.

 

There was no way Japan’s S-rank Hunter would carelessly overlook such an incident.

 

Ren took a sip of coffee and spoke calmly.

 

“I was very impressed. I mean that sincerely.”

 

“….”

 

“Even though there were many Korean tourists, it was fundamentally another country. But the way you stepped forward without hesitation was truly remarkable.”

 

He praised me with a slight misunderstanding. I hesitated, not knowing where to start correcting him.

 

“That was just….”

 

However, Ren seemed to take even that positively.

 

“Humility is a very important virtue.”

 

I gave up on explaining and raised the corners of my mouth.

 

“It was a coincidence, but I’m glad you viewed it favorably.”

 

“Very much so.”

 

Ren smiled and adjusted the sleeve of his yukata.

 

“I came to see your face briefly. Now that I’ve met you, I have even more confidence.”

 

“….”

 

“I’ll send you the work-related materials within a couple of hours, so I’d be really pleased if we could meet this afternoon.”

 

The S-rank Hunter who said he hadn’t had breakfast stood up from his seat after finishing just one cup of coffee.

 

“Please take care of me for a while.”

 

He smiled slyly and soon turned his back.

 

‘…He’s a cautious type.’

 

It wasn’t because he wanted to see my face, but because he wanted to confirm everything with his own eyes.

 

‘Additionally, there’s the effect of having an S-rank Hunter show their face directly so I can’t refuse the job.’

 

“….”

 

I stroked my chin while looking at the twin swords positioned behind his back.

 

“…To appear so suddenly. I was quite surprised.”

 

“Me too. That person, right? The one we need to escort.”

 

“Yes, that’s correct.”

 

Jung Su-jin calmed her slightly startled heart and spoke. Since she was E-rank, an S-rank suddenly revealing their presence wouldn’t be very welcome.

 

She adjusted her glasses and continued her explanation.

 

“Japan had a total of 12 S-rank Hunters until recently. ‘Hanasaki Ren’ is the twelfth Hunter to awaken among them.”

 

“….”

 

“His experience is the shortest, but I heard he’s an Awakened who shows strength beyond that.”

 

‘His awakening stats were similar to Korea’s Guild Leaders.’

 

However, his skill levels were far below. It was proof that his experience was short.

 

…Well, does that even matter? His stats are on par with those monsters.

 

I pressed my forehead with a somehow headache-inducing feeling.

 

| The journey has begun too. |

 

“Indeed it has.”

 

* * *

 

That afternoon, I stepped foot outdoors where cold air was circulating as we were running through the depths of winter.

 

White breath escaped from my mouth as I lamented to the existence above my head.

 

“The weather is incredibly cold. I heard Japan was warm, but that’s not the case either.”

 

| Cold? It seems you need more training. |

 

Well, Mountain Lord is an ice-type Pokémon… I’m human, you know.

 

I shook my head from side to side.

 

| I’m more concerned about the location than the weather. Don’t you think so? |

 

The place the Mountain Lord’s gaze reached was a Japanese-style building.

 

This was a shrine in Tokyo.

 

It was a temple where Japan enshrined their gods, and from my and the Mountain Lord’s perspective, it was the last place we wanted to visit.

 

| Of all places, it had to be here. How unpleasant. |

 

“I know, right.”

 

I nodded in agreement.

 

Japanese gods and Korean gods are fundamentally very different. From their nature to the way they’re worshipped.

 

‘It’s only natural that the Mountain Lord feels disgusted.’

 

I was also feeling a strange sense of rejection.

 

However, the reason we had no choice but to come was…

 

Whooooom—

 

I raised my head and looked at the Gate before me. There, a gray Hell Gate was gaping open.

 

‘To think the first schedule of my escort duty would be entering a dungeon.’

 

I swallowed tears along with an enlightened laugh.

 

I definitely just wanted to come on a simple trip, so how on earth did it turn out like this?

 

“Ah, you’re here!”

 

Eventually, the cause of all this revealed itself from one side of the shrine.

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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