Something Keeps Appearing in My Subspace - Chapter 13

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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13. Contract
“Han Hye, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Park Seo-ung, the Association President’s direct secretary. This is a colleague from the Hunter Association….”
To be honest, I was startled when I heard that the man across from me was the Association President’s direct secretary. Normally, I only met with staff from the department handling recruitment of awakened hunters.
Of course, a negotiator was present as well.
“I’ll be candid with you. The Korean Hunter Association is making a full commitment to securing a contract with you, Han Hye.”
The mere fact that the Association President’s direct secretary had come said it all.
“We’ve prepared a contract with a signing bonus of 20 billion won, 30 billion won annually over four years, and an additional 150 billion won in performance options. The total package comes to 200 billion won.”
“I’m sorry?”
For a moment, I couldn’t find my words.
Excluding the performance options, the guaranteed amount over four years was 50 billion won. Even hearing it, I couldn’t believe it.
Typically, the most promising hunters with top-tier A-rank skills contract for around 15 billion won in guaranteed compensation.
Those with S-rank skills? Around 25 billion won?
‘If they’re not top-tier, they contract for less.’
Yet the guaranteed amount alone was 50 billion won. That meant double what even the most exceptional S-rank prospects received.
It was clear the Korean Hunter Association valued me quite highly.
Of course, compared to high-level awakened hunters, it wasn’t an enormous sum. That was because we were still ‘prospects.’
For immediate Gate subjugation or defending against ‘outbreak-type’ Gates that threatened civilians, a high-level B-rank hunter was more useful than an S-rank prospect anyway.
“As you can see in this section, the performance bonus amounts will increase incrementally as your level and rank rise.”
That’s why hunter contracts typically include many ‘performance options,’ much like athlete contracts.
It was because awakened hunters often died or became permanently incapacitated after receiving large lump sums.
Even accounting for that, a total of 200 billion won was still unbelievable. It was comparable to what some high-level hunters received upon renegotiation.
And that was the amount they’d received upon renegotiation. I was being offered that amount on my first contract.
Of course, the 150 billion won was performance-based. I might not receive it at all. Most hunters never collect their performance bonuses.
It was because the awakened hunters themselves didn’t grow as much as the Association expected, failing to meet the contract conditions.
‘But I’m different.’
I was confident that rapid level-ups were possible through this Gate subjugation. All I had to do was enter survival-type Gates alone.
And honestly, survival-type Gates were far easier for me than other Gates.
The fact that they were unpopular, making them easy to enter, was also an advantage. Though of course, I couldn’t enter only survival-type Gates.
“Additionally, we plan to provide you with either one B-rank elixir or two C-rank elixirs, whichever you prefer.”
“Ah, um….”
I scratched the back of my head. By any measure, this contract exceeded my expectations.
I’d performed well at the workshop and cleared the Labyrinth Dead End solo, but I never expected to receive an offer of this magnitude.
The ‘Knight’ Lee Hong-ju’s first contract, including options, was 90 billion won. Even accounting for that being several years ago….
Since I wasn’t a combat-type hunter, I’d thought receiving a similar amount or slightly more would be fortunate.
200 billion won in total.
Considering the value of one B-rank elixir and two C-rank elixirs, the amount rose even higher.
-Hey, if something seems ambiguous during contract negotiations, don’t just nod along. Push back and ask for more.
Suddenly, Chul-gi’s words flashed through my mind, but I decided to dismiss them.
This wasn’t the kind of situation where I could push back for more.
“Regarding the contract itself, I can assure you there are no toxic clauses. As you can see here, if any toxic clauses exist, you, Han Hye, as the primary party, have the right to terminate the contract without penalty.”
It was true. Clauses like this were rarely written so favorably.
“If you’re uncomfortable, you’re welcome to hire a lawyer of your choice right now. The Hunter Association will cover all expenses.”
Honestly, it felt like the Hunter Association had come prepared to move forward without any drawn-out negotiations.
If I tried to squeeze out a bit more here and they suddenly said, ‘Let’s forget this ever happened,’ I’d be the one losing out.
“That’s acceptable.”
I simply nodded. To be frank, there was no need to even listen to foreign offers.
The probability of them offering more than Korea was zero.
So then….
It was far too much money to refuse.
“Ah, and congratulations on becoming an E-rank Hunter in record time. Just three days after completing the workshop.”
Now that I thought about it, that was something worth noting.
“Since you’ve already signed, I’m asking out of curiosity—we believe Han Hye possesses an S+-rank skill. Is that correct?”
So they’d been inferring this, which is why they’d prepared such a substantial offer.
I’d planned to reveal it during the contract process and raise the amount anyway, so there was no reason to hide it.
“That’s correct. An S+-rank skill.”
I continued without hesitation.
“There is one thing I’d like to request.”
“Please, speak freely.”
“Could I receive the guaranteed amount of 50 billion as much as possible in elixirs? Flame-related elixirs, specifically.”
.
.
.
The moment the contract was finalized, my phone rang. It was an unknown number.
“Hello?”
-Hello. You’re Hunter Han Hye, correct? I heard your meeting with the Korean side just wrapped up, so I’m calling.
Apparently, this was a Korean specialist negotiator from the United States.
Normally domestic negotiations took priority, but somehow they’d called the moment mine ended.
“The United States is prepared to offer a contract fee of 20 billion, 20 billion over four years, a guaranteed amount of 40 billion, and options worth 100 billion—totaling 140 billion.”
“Ah….”
As expected. 140 billion was certainly an enormous offer, but it didn’t compare to Korea’s. Not in guaranteed amount, not in total.
I told them I’d already signed and hung up, but the phone rang again.
-Hunter Han Hye, I’m calling from the Chinese side….
This time it was China, but as expected, their offer fell short of Korea’s. Even worse than the United States.
‘…At this point, hasn’t Korea squeezed out every last drop of their soul?’
The fact that they’d asked me not to disclose the total contract amount publicly seemed to confirm it.
Hmm.
I was grateful they’d taken such good care of me.
Suddenly, a surge of patriotism washed over me.
* * *
[(Breaking News) Korea Completes Contract with ‘Han Hye,’ the Nation’s First S+-rank Spatial Mage]
-4-year guaranteed amount alone: 50 billion won. Options classified.
-Set E-rank record in just 3 days after workshop completion.
-Solo cleared Labyrinth Dead End at Level 6 / Currently Level 9
-And 50 billion? That’s more than double what most S-rank hunters make, isn’t it?
┗It’s S+ rank. First in our country. Shin Chang is just S-rank.
-E-rank in 3 days? Isn’t that ignoring regulations? What’s with the special treatment?
┗You’re F-rank.
“Even if it’s the ‘Labyrinth Dead End’ for levels 6-10, if you can subjugate it alone, frankly speaking, you’d deserve a D-rank or higher?”
“500 billion won over 4 years, but E-rank in just 3 days? That’s ridiculous—but if it’s a mess that makes sense when you see the last part, then it deserves a thumbs up lolol”
┗True
lol
As news of Han Hye’s contract completion spread, Hunter Net erupted in discussion.
Everyone was baffled by the amount until they saw the final detail and understood.
-Warrior2001: I thought it was strange when a non-combat position set a record during the workshop, but it was an S+ rank skill;;>
-Didn’t this person just awaken recently? Why are they already Level 9?
┗Warrior2001: They awakened at a Deformed Gate and started at Level 6. Looks like they leveled up 3 times from this gate?
-S+ rank skill, subspace, decent combat ability too. They must be getting tons of guild recruitment offers. So jealous.
┗I heard they attend some training facility.
“Quite the commotion, isn’t it.”
“What commotion?”
Choi Chul-gi spoke while looking at his phone, and his son Choi Min-seok asked with an innocent face.
At ten years old, the boy was naturally full of curiosity.
Han Hye was eating beef with Choi Chul-gi’s family at his home to celebrate the contract.
“You heard that Han Hye awakened an incredibly powerful ability, right? She received a lot of money from the contract with Korea.”
“Really?”
At his mother’s words, Choi Min-seok jumped up and clapped his hands.
With such a reaction, I couldn’t just let it slide. Han Hye hesitated briefly before opening a subspace.
“Of course. I brought a gift for our Min-seok too.”
“Wow!”
What Han Hye pulled from the subspace was a magic stone. Choi Min-seok had loved shiny things since childhood.
Gems and such.
He would rummage through his mother’s jewelry box to play with gems. His dream was even to become a jeweler.
‘The kid doesn’t know any better, but I should give him something nice anyway.’
Han Hye handed over the magic stone from the awakened being and smiled warmly at Choi Min-seok’s delight. Magic stones were naturally expensive.
But since I was giving it anyway, I wanted to give him something good. To me, Choi Min-seok was like a nephew.
“A magic stone! I haven’t touched one in so long!”
“Heh. You liked the one I gave you last time too.”
“That one was fake, so it wasn’t as good!”
How did he know it was fake? Han Hye was slightly taken aback.
The previous gift had been an exact replica of a magic stone. It was extremely difficult to distinguish with the naked eye.
“What? You liked it back then.”
“They taught us in school that sometimes a kind lie is necessary.”
“Come on, Min-seok. You should say thank you!”
“Thank you very much, hehe.”
Choi Min-seok bowed at a ninety-degree angle, beaming with joy. Either way, I was satisfied.
He seemed to like it far more now than when I’d given him the counterfeit last time.
“Han Hye. I’m so grateful I don’t know what to do. We’re even investing hundreds of billions in elixirs because of you….”
Choi’s Wife approached from beside me, speaking as though apologizing.
I laughed softly.
“How much have I already received from you and your husband? You fed me when I was on the brink of starvation and gave me a place to sleep—I owe you that much at least.”
“Still….”
“Please don’t say such things. Once I get paid next time, I’ll bring a gift for you too!”
“You don’t need to do that….”
Choi Min-seok’s wife said so, but her face was smiling.
Soon, as Choi Min-seok excitedly headed into the room with the egg, I made a playful remark.
“Right. If I’d listened to what you said, things could have gone badly.”
“What do you mean?”
“You told me to play hard to get so I could receive more.”
“Did I say that?”
At his wife’s question, Choi Chul-gi quickly shook his head.
“That’s only advice for ambiguous amounts!”
Choi Chul-gi was startled by what he’d just said.
“Surely you didn’t actually say that? Two hundred billion?”
“There’s no way. That was too much money to say something like that.”
As I laughed, Choi Chul-gi let out a relieved sigh.
“Right. With options included, two hundred billion—you just stamp the contract. It’s the highest first contract amount for any Awakener on record. With this, there’s a high probability the second contract will also be the highest.”
It was true. The first contract amount was what even high-level Hunters typically received.
This meant the Hunter Association was truly investing in me.
“By the way, I asked for the guaranteed amount to be paid in flame-related elixirs. The additional elixirs too.”
“How much did you end up receiving?”
“They said they’d contact me after sourcing flame-related elixirs.”
Normally the deposit would come simultaneously with the contract, but because of my request, it was delayed.
“Still, you should receive over ten billion, right?”
Grade A elixirs were nearly impossible to obtain. Fewer than ten had appeared so far, and they sold for whatever price the seller demanded.
Grade B elixirs cost around thirty-five billion. In other words, even if they sourced a Grade B elixir, I’d receive over ten billion.
“That’s right.”
“We should move to a better place. Get a nicer car too.”
“We’ll think about it once the money comes in. For now, the Red Dragon’s egg hatching comes first.”
Shouldn’t a dragon take priority over a nice house and an expensive car?
“You should plan ahead. You know house prices have skyrocketed in safe areas because of all these Gates lately, right? Investment! Yes, investment—financial management takes study to do well….”
“Uncle, didn’t all your investments fail?”
“….”
Han Hye had spoken without much thought, but Choi Chul-gi quickly glanced at his wife’s expression. Somewhere along the way, her eyes had turned cold.
He had scraped together money despite their meager circumstances and invested two or three times, only to lose it all. Han Hye hastily waved both hands.
“No, that’s not what I meant….”
“Study hard so you don’t end up like me.”
“I understand.”
I should definitely get something expensive for my sister-in-law as a gift. With that resolve, I quickly changed the subject.
“By the way, Uncle, you should start preparing now too. You should probably sell that samgyeopsal restaurant.”
“The restaurant?”
“I’m going to receive two or three Flame Elixirs. If you invest in those, wouldn’t you awaken? You need to make your comeback. Are you going to keep running the restaurant?”
One B-rank elixir and two C-rank elixirs.
Since I wanted flame-related elixirs, I had asked them to bring whatever they could find.
I judged this amount would be sufficient for awakening.
It meant that Choi Chul-gi becoming a true “Dragon Knight” was not far off.
“Hmm. Still, I’ve grown attached to it, so it feels wasteful to sell.”
Nevertheless, Choi Chul-gi hesitated slightly.
“In a way, it’s because of Yong-Yong Samgyeopsal that I met you and obtained Red Dragon, so it feels like some kind of fate.”
“Then why not just hire a manager? Once you really become a Dragon Knight, you’ll earn a lot of money and the restaurant will become famous too.”
“You think so?”
Choi Chul-gi was tempted by Han Hye’s suggestion.
It wasn’t a bad idea. He could maintain Yong-Yong Samgyeopsal while pursuing his work as a Hunter.
“Still, I’m wondering if it’s really okay to reveal this even after awakening.”
It was something both of us had been concerned about. We wondered if we should keep the information about the dragon’s awakening hidden.
“It should be fine now.”
But the situation was different from our worries back then. The Korean Hunter Association was taking very good care of me.
Even if I revealed the items inside the Subspace rather than the dragon’s egg, it didn’t seem like they would try to take them. Though there was no particular need to reveal it.
“We’ve finished eating anyway, so why don’t we head to the Training Facility to practice?”
Han Hye stood up from her seat.
“I learned a new technique while leveling up that skill, so I need to test it out.”
I was certainly planning to practice martial arts and combat techniques as well, but what I was most eager to test right now was something else.
Portal manifestation in the Subspace.
I wanted to try attacking an enemy’s back from a distance while standing still, and reflecting their attacks.

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