My Catastrophic‑Level Summon Devours Gates - Chapter 111

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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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Episode 111

Cross Gate?

Even after 5 years as a Hunter, this is the first time I’m hearing this term.

Don’t say mean things like I wouldn’t know because I’m a noob who stayed E-rank for 5 whole years.

“Cross Gate, also known as the Neutral Zone.”

“Neutral Zone?”

“It’s called that because the entrances are scattered across various parts of the world.”

“Isn’t that kind of dangerous?”

This is a Gate completely specialized for illegal activities!

Smuggling would be a given.

If terrorists used it, they could travel around the world spreading darkness and truth.

“Ah. That’s not the case.”

Nam Jin-woo shook his head from side to side.

“You can only return to the original world through the Gate you used to enter.”

“So it can’t be used for terrorism.”

Can’t stop smuggling though.

Well, I’m not someone who lives to uphold social justice, so let’s not get too invested.

Anyway.

I understood why Cross Gates aren’t known in the Hunter industry.

“Do the guilds know about it too?”

“Only a few guilds including the Domestic Big Five would know.”

High-level information kept secret from the public.

The reason he told me this must be related to the [Giant Armor] that Master Han Yo-han pointed out.

“Cross Gate is an unknown continent.”

Continental-scale size.

It’s literally another world where animals, plants, and monsters that can’t be seen on Earth form an ecosystem.

“It’s rare, but there are stories of witnessing beings from other worlds.”

“The scale keeps getting bigger.”

“It’s just rumors. There’s still not much known about Cross Gates.”

There’s too much potential for misuse.

And since the environment inside Cross Gates is inherently harsh, it’s said that exploration is still at a preliminary level.

“Please keep this confidential, Hunter Park.”

“Yes sir.”

Does President Baek know about this?

Since he’s someone who reached executive level at Chilsung, one of the Domestic Big Five, he might know.

I should subtly probe him later.

“Are there rare minerals in Cross Gates?”

“How did you know that?”

“I figured you’d wear this armor and go in yourself, something like that.”

“That’s correct. Giant Armor is the armament that will protect blacksmiths in that harsh environment.”

Blacksmiths are non-combat classes, but they’re not lacking in strength.

In fact, looking at strength stats alone, they’re not inferior to warrior-class Hunters.

A class that can level up without killing monsters.

This was possible because experience points increased every time item crafting succeeded.

“But why doesn’t Lord’s experience points increase?”

“Don’t ask me.”

It’s the sad fate of being both a blacksmith class and spanning into the magic system.

But there are also disadvantages.

Non-combat classes have automatically distributed stats.

And the stats gained per level up are lower than combat classes.

Should I be thankful that I don’t receive such penalties since I’m Necromancer + Blacksmith?

“Giant Armor isn’t just simple protective gear.”

A voice filled with pride.

Master Han Yo-han stroked the Giant Armor several times.

“It increases all ability stats in proportion to strength and has automatic combat functions installed.”

“Once Giant Armor is completed, our activity range inside Cross Gates will greatly expand.”

Wait a minute.

The premise seems a bit strange.

“Couldn’t you just receive escort from Hunters?”

“We don’t usually go in alone, but Cross Gates are extremely dangerous places with many variables.”

“Monsters often appear during mining.”

Master Han Yo-han extended his forearm.

A long cut from wrist to elbow.

“This is where a monster that suddenly appeared while mining mithril got me.”

A long scar.

It was amazing that his arm wasn’t severed with that kind of wound.

“I used a potion as soon as Master got injured. But this kind of scar still remained.”

“It must not have been an ordinary monster.”

“That’s why this item is necessary.”

Armament that gives even non-combat classes the power to fight against monsters.

“I have very high expectations for you.”

“Drake bone is perfect for the mana conversion ability that’s the core of Giant Armor.”

So this was the reason for his interest in bone-handling abilities.

Rather than just receiving one-sidedly.

I was relieved to be in a position where I also had something to give.

“I’ll lend a hand someday too.”

“It seems like it’ll happen soon. Haven’t you already mastered the invisible hand in less than 3 months of holding a hammer?”

“Mine is visible though.”

When I dangled my temporarily made bone arm, Master Han Yo-han’s lips twisted.

What?

That’s scary.

Is he not satisfied with this pace?

“Lord.”

Sir Isra, who was behind me, flinched.

He must have reacted to that face that looked like it could kill a few people.

“Excellent.”

“I don’t know how long it’s been since Master smiled like this.”

Ah.

That was a smile?

I’d believe it if you said it was a murder notice.

Cross Gate and Giant Armor.

And lastly.

Even the part that Master Han Yo-han expects from me.

I heard various information, but my heart actually felt lighter.

It felt like I put down some of the debt I had unknowingly accumulated while learning blacksmith work.

Just knowing that there’s something I can help with reduced the burden.

Really.

It was a strange feeling.

I took in the sight of the unfinished Giant Armor and came outside.

The scenery had grown dim.

Just then, the TV placed outside the workshop was broadcasting the news.

[KNN News]

―The China Superhuman Bureau has officially announced that Hunter Zhengxianhe has been promoted to S-rank in this advancement examination.

―This marks the twenty-sixth time an S-rank Hunter has been born in China.

―Taking this opportunity, the Chinese government has praised itself, saying that permanent peace has come to East Asia…

Huh.

Things are going to get noisy again.

* * *

The Superhuman Bureau, which had lost face over the Turang Gun incident.

In less than a month, they had reaped results and restored their honor.

“We’ve saved face.”

Director General Ling Shamei’s words carried sharp thorns.

Among those attending the meeting, no one was unaware of the uncomfortable atmosphere.

“Our investment in Zheng Xianhe has paid off.”

“It’s all thanks to the Director General’s bold decision.”

“The Korean government must be feeling bitter about losing Zhengxianhe.”

“Hahahaha!”

The bureau executives praised Ling Shamei’s decision.

Half was flattery, but half was also truth.

The Superhuman Bureau had always wielded tremendous authority, but since he became Director General, their influence had grown even greater.

Bold budget execution.

The results that followed were also definitive.

Wasn’t it thanks to an enormous budget that they were able to bring Jung Shin-ho, no, Zhengxianhe, into the motherland’s embrace?

“Zhang Lin, Monitoring Supervisor.”

“Yes, Director General.”

“Zhengxianhe. Can we deploy him to the Great Rift?”

“It will probably take about three months.”

“That’s quite a long time.”

“We could force it immediately, but I think it’s better not to proceed.”

“Is it worth me having to make a plea to the Customs Bureau?”

“According to the contract, forced mobilization is possible once every six months.”

The Superhuman Bureau is no pushover.

They wouldn’t just stand by and watch a superhuman (Hunter) they brought to the motherland at great expense slack off.

The contract terms include a clause that they must respond to the Superhuman Bureau’s requests.

What if they refuse?

No.

They can’t.

From the moment they sign the contract.

Constraints are placed on the superhumans who decide to defect.

Without them even knowing it.

“We could bind him with constraints, but then there’s a possibility Zheng Xianhe might notice.”

The absolute command authority that can be used once every six months.

Considering the risk of wasting the authority meaninglessly and Zhengxianhe discovering the ‘constraints’ in the contract.

This was a statement that they should hold back this time.

“What a troublesome person.”

“I apologize.”

“You’re making me go and make a plea.”

The sharp edge in Ling Shamei’s voice dulled slightly.

Though he wasn’t pleased, he judged it to be reasonable advice.

“There are other superhumans under management besides Zhengxianhe, right?”

“Yes. Two A-rank Hunters and five B-rank Hunters.”

“All the B-ranks must be promoted to A-rank before this year ends.”

They must produce results proportional to their investment.

Raising the superhumans’ ranks requires additional money.

But if results come, it’s fine.

This was the Superhuman Bureau’s way of handling business.

“Anyone who doesn’t reach it will all be deployed to the Great Rift.”

“That will serve as appropriate carrot and stick.”

Besides that, Ling Mei quickly handled various other agenda items.

Since its establishment following the Great Catastrophe.

It had always been a ministry with considerable power within the Chinese Communist Party.

But the Superhuman Bureau’s influence had expanded so much recently that it was said to be at its peak.

This was thanks to Ling Shamei’s skill and boldness.

As the meeting was nearing its end.

“Park Min-ho’s growth rate is very steep.”

The person who had recently shaken the Superhuman Bureau’s position suddenly came up.

“Ahem.”

“Mmm.”

All the Superhuman Bureau executives avoided answering.

What was the reason Director General Ling Shamei had to go to the Customs Bureau and make a plea?

It was the aftermath of failing to secure Park Min-ho.

The hunting dogs secretly raised by the Superhuman Bureau.

They deployed Turang – B-rank 1st Squad, but were hunted in return.

To make matters worse, because the Korean government took a hard line, they had to ask for cards like the Korean restriction to be played.

But the Customs Bureau couldn’t take a strong stance either.

The Great Rift located in the old Manchurian territory.

If Korean Hunters were withdrawn, maintaining the front lines would be difficult.

The Party was in the process of concluding this situation by making appropriate ‘concessions’ to the Korean government.

Ling Shamei, who was in a position where he had to make pleas, slightly furrowed his brow.

“We can’t let that guy grow any further.”

“We’re ready to bite that impudent punk.”

“Additional deployment of Turang is forbidden.”

After going through this trouble, they want to deploy Turang again?

At Ling Shamei’s ice-cold voice, the executive who had spoken bowed his head deeply.

“Zhu Yongshui Guan Wushen, Monitoring Supervisor.”

“Yes, Director General.”

“Can you make contact with The Organization?”

At Ling Shamei’s statement, the meeting room temperature seemed to drop by about 3 degrees.

The ‘Organization’ he mentioned was a name that should never be officially mentioned.

This was also proof that this incident had dealt significant damage to the Superhuman Bureau and Director General Ling Shamei.

“It’s possible.”

“Please arrange a meeting.”

“Understood.”

If you can’t have it, destroy it.

A chilling coldness swirled over Ling Shamei’s eyes.

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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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