D-Rank Constellation Hunter… Stuck Without Internet! - Chapter 72

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

Chapter 72
An aura that effortlessly suppressed the magical power of two S-Rank hunters and one A-Rank hunter.
Jang Deuk-sung had never experienced such magical power before.
All those who had encountered the Constellation said his magical power was ferocious yet infinitely compassionate.
‘This is pure tyranny.’
With only violence remaining, it felt chillingly cold, as if blocking the very movement of his own magical power.
Startled, he sucked in a sharp breath.
“Constellation.”
“I-I tried to stop them, but the Association Director kept insisting that I absolutely had to meet with Ulrim….”
And both Dan Yibum and Ji Chae-ah, who had been showing sharp reactions toward him, suddenly stood up and approached the Constellation.
They poured out explanations about what situation they were in now and what efforts they had made to prevent it.
Their frantic torrent of words made Jang Deuk-sung’s mood plummet.
‘And they go running off to report it. They’re not even children.’
The Constellation listened intently to every word the two humans said with a serious expression, then nodded.
The Constellation even brushed their hair once each, then passed by Dan Yibum and Ji Chae-ah to approach Jang Deuk-sung.
“I’ll discuss the rest separately with you, so you two go on back.”
“Constellation, but…! If I stay next to him, stupidity might be contagious!”
“Contagious stupidity?”
As if hearing the phrase for the first time, the Constellation laughed so hard they nearly fell backward.
But Ji Chae-ah, who had actually made the remark, was genuinely anxious, worried that Jang Deuk-sung’s stupidity might somehow rub off on the Constellation.
“No, even so, how can you call someone an idiot right in front of them….”
Jang Deuk-sung, who had been unable to speak until now due to the oppressive aura, began to move, fueled by explosive rage.
When working at the Association, he couldn’t say anything no matter what they did to him.
Now that he’d left the Association, Ji Chae-ah was acting far more arrogant than necessary.
He wondered what gave her the confidence to act this way, but seeing the Constellation before his eyes made it clear.
“Why, are you displeased?”
It was the Constellation who responded, hiding the startled Ji Chae-ah behind their back.
Their voice had dropped an octave, as if to ensure that from this moment on, not a single word would mix Ji Chae-ah into the conversation.
Dan Yibum, who had been observing the situation for a moment, spoke calmly.
“We are hunters belonging to Touch One, and as long as we haven’t violated any regulations, the Association Director cannot forcibly mobilize us for any action.”
“If you were displeased by the word ‘contagious stupidity,’ that’s unfortunate… But it was the Association Director who always told us we were poorly educated, saying our work had poor cost-effectiveness.”
The person who had pushed them relentlessly, saying that despite investing 100 units of power to produce 120 units of results, they ultimately failed to achieve 200 units of results.
An existence that constantly tried to cut costs regardless of the opponent whenever the opportunity arose, and degraded their character by spouting nonsense about common sense and education.
The worst example of talent—someone who always insisted that cost-effectiveness was the supreme value in everything and at all times, grinding through human resources.
Ji Chae-ah frowned, bowed deeply, and turned to leave.
Rather than a proper farewell, her attitude felt like a form of venting—a “let’s never see each other again.”
“You go on too.”
“Will you be alright alone?”
“Shouldn’t I be the one worried about being alone—shouldn’t it be your former superior?”
The Constellation, speaking so naturally even with Jang Deuk-sung present, tapped Dan Yibum’s shoulder lightly.
“You need to work harder from now on.”
“…Yes.”
“You’ll have to flatten my nose for me.”
“No, I’ve never once thought about flattening your nose, Constellation.”
“It’s basically the same thing. So hurry up.”
I had no idea what conversation had transpired between them to arrive at such a result, but it was certainly an unusual exchange.
Once Jang Deuk-sung and the Constellation were alone, a brief silence fell between them.
The Constellation, still standing by the doorway observing him, approached with light, graceful steps and settled onto the sofa across from him.
Soon, a teapot and cup tinged with azure light materialized from thin air, and tea was poured.
“Well then… shall we talk over a cup of tea?”
* * *
Jang Deuk-sung, forty-seven years old this year.
A man who had ascended to the position of Hunter’s Association Chairman at a relatively young age.
In the past, he had operated a Guild, but he ground through personnel excessively and paid less than minimum wage, resulting in severe labor shortages.
This promising candidate for Association Chairman had died attempting to prevent a dungeon break.
And Jang Deuk-sung, who had been with him but fled to live alone, had lucked into the position by default.
Holding the cup with both hands, Jang Deuk-sung shifted uncomfortably in his seat several times, his expression betraying his unease.
“You don’t care for tea?”
“Ah, I’ve already had a cup of coffee…”
He made no effort to hide the look that said, ‘Who knows what you’ve put in this tea—why should I trust you enough to drink it?’
Besides, if I’d wanted to do something to him, I wouldn’t resort to such trivial tricks here.
I tapped my cheek deliberately with my index finger, intentionally drawing out the silence.
People like this cannot endure silence when placed in situations they don’t fully understand.
“Would it be alright if I broached the main topic first?”
There it is—he couldn’t hold out and opened his mouth again.
In situations like this, the one who loses composure always loses.
I smiled faintly and nodded.
“Go ahead, speak.”
I skimmed through his record briefly.
He had come here seeking ‘cooperation’ regarding the Landquake, and had even resolved to suppress matters using his authority as Association Chairman if necessary.
Ordinarily, the Guild and the Hunter’s Association are separate entities, but under ‘national disaster circumstances,’ that changes.
He spoke eloquently about how a Hunter’s fundamental duty is to manage Gates to prevent dungeon breaks.
“You may have seen the news, but a Gate suspected to be the Landquake has appeared inside the dungeon.”
I nodded silently and took a sip of tea.
A warm sensation spread through my throat along with the floral fragrance.
This is why humans can never put down their beverages.
While my mind wandered elsewhere, I listened to what the Landquake was, what problems it would bring to this nation…
His passionate speech went in one ear and out the other.
The citizens are anxious, and it seems a symbolic figure should step forward now to provide assistance.
“As the first SS-rank Hunter and the Constellation who has entered this land for the first time in centuries, you must be the one to step forward.”
“Hmm…”
Noticing my lukewarm response, his tone grew noticeably harsher.
“And Hunters must fulfill at least their basic obligations to this nation. Regardless of your status as a Constellation, this is a Hunter’s duty…”
“A duty?”
“Should you refuse to comply, we may revoke your Hunter credentials, and your Guild may face considerable disadvantages.”
He added the follow-up, as if aware that losing my Hunter status meant nothing to me.
An implicit threat—cooperate, or this Guild will suffer real consequences.
“So what exactly do you want me to do?”
“Please make a public appearance, under the pretext of managing the Landquake Gate at the Hunter Association’s request.”
His face brightened at my response.
He wore the smug expression of someone who believed he’d succeeded.
I was deeply disappointed.
So it wasn’t about eliminating the Gate at all—he simply wanted to display a Constellation bowing to the Association’s authority.
“In other words, you want to use a Constellation as the Hunter Association’s mascot?”
“I won’t deny it. But I’ll take good care of your Guild.”
Believing his intentions had succeeded, an unpleasant laugh colored his voice.
“Let me teach you something.”
The glass fell to the floor.
“Yes?”
“Most Constellations absolutely despise those who attempt to rival their power.”
[ The Constellation of Probability and Life visits you. ]
[ The Constellation of Infinite Inquiry remembers your atrocities. ]
[ The one who sustains Memory and imperfect Humanity mocks your arrogance. ]
[ The one who chases sounds become foam remembers your name. ]
[ Your arrogance becomes known throughout the world of stars. ]
Dozens, perhaps hundreds of messages were likely flooding his vision right now.
Jang Deuk-sung’s body began trembling like an aspen leaf.
“So you should have thought this through.”
This world is no longer a space only I can perceive.
Dozens, thousands of eyes now watch this place, preparing to ravage the presumptuous.
[ The Constellation of Spectation and Care gazes upon you. ]
“I’ll cooperate.”
Before all the gods watching, I’ll do my very best.

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