Something Keeps Appearing in My Subspace - Chapter 55

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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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55. Hunter Cooperation (2)
-It concerns Shin Chang and Kim San.
It involves Shin Chang?
I had no idea what this could be about. Since I couldn’t predict it, I figured I’d have to hear them out to understand.
“Please, speak freely.”
The decision would be mine anyway. The Association didn’t seem like they’d ask for anything unreasonable, but I could always decide after hearing them out.
-Two years ago, Saudi Arabia received an S-rank spear.
I was aware of that. It had been a famous affair. They’d purchased it at an international auction years ago with an astronomical sum.
It was also the reason I didn’t take much interest in international auctions.
Unless you had an obscene amount of money, you couldn’t compete in those auctions.
In any case, Shin Chang wanted the S-rank spear, and he and the Korean Hunter Association moved together to complete the transaction.
-Because the amount was so substantial, we had no choice but to add conditions.
“So that was the future hunter cooperation?”
-Correct.
I could roughly grasp the situation. Saudi Arabia had plenty of money, but their hunter sector was rather ambiguous.
You could say they were strong, or you could say they were weak.
They hired promising or talented hunters from abroad with enormous sums, but I’d heard that many of them didn’t actually perform well.
They’d flee when things got serious or make excuses, protecting themselves.
While they did recruit foreign hunters, most nations prioritized their own hunters for this very reason.
That’s probably why they requested hunter cooperation from Shin Chang. He was a named hunter with the highest credibility rating.
“So they’re planning to use it now?”
-Yes. It’s a level-restricted gate in the 21-25 range, approaching a gate break soon.
From what I heard, promising hunters from Saudi Arabia entered it boldly but never came back out.
When I checked the interior using an escape secretary, it was a place I could navigate through with relative ease using my abilities.
-However, given the circumstances, Saudi Arabia finds it difficult to provide separate compensation to Han Hye.
In other words, they were asking me to work without pay. Normally, I would have simply refused.
But this felt different. While the Hunter Association was asking, it was also Shin Chang’s request.
‘I’d be incurring a debt to both Shin Chang and the Association.’
I’d received help and consideration from Shin Chang and the Association, knowingly or not, and it seemed worth doing.
Of course, there was something I needed to confirm.
“Is the danger acceptable?”
-If you go abroad, you’ll certainly be exposed to greater risks. It’s also a region where the Übermenschen operate. However, it should be fine. Shin Chang has agreed to accompany you from departure to return.
“Pardon?”
Shin Chang is coming? As a bodyguard?
One of the world’s top five hunters serving as a bodyguard. I wondered if there could be such luxurious protection anywhere else.
Then again, going to another country and considering the threat of the Übermenschen, an escort was absolutely necessary.
And among those in the Association, there was probably no one more trustworthy than Shin Chang. He was also the party directly involved in the matter.
-He expressed considerable regret that his debt was being transferred to Han Hye.
I couldn’t quite imagine Shin Chang apologizing.
-Though you won’t receive compensation from Saudi Arabia, he says he’ll compensate you in some way.
“What do you want?”
-Yes. He said if you tell him what you need—such as elixirs, rare items, or skill level-up tickets—he’ll obtain them for you right away, even if he doesn’t have them immediately.
Hmm… If that’s the case, I’m not incurring a debt to Shin Chang. Rather, this was something I should eagerly accept.
Shin Chang will obtain whatever I want? That’s a rare opportunity. I had to take it.
Among Hunters on Earth, there are few people as likely as Shin Chang to obtain from Gates what I desire.
Moreover, what I want is something related to my profession—a skill level-up ticket or a job skill acquisition ticket.
‘Those items are more likely to drop from high-level Gates.’
So I accepted readily.
“I was planning to go anyway… but refusing would be foolish.”
-Is there anything in particular you’d like?
“A job skill acquisition ticket or a skill level-up ticket. Either one works for me.”
In that moment, I realized I hadn’t consulted with my team members. I’d been too tempted by the prospect of Shin Chang obtaining items for me.
Well, I’d have to convince them somehow.
“But my team members might not like it, so I’ll discuss it with them and get back to you.”
-Ah, I haven’t mentioned something yet.
But that wouldn’t be necessary.
-The Gate that Saudi Arabia requested assistance with has a personnel limit of one person.
“One person?”
I’d been thinking of the team because those ‘promising prospects’ had failed, but it seemed multiple people had entered separately and never returned.
-Yes, only you need to enter. Since you can guarantee survival by retreating to the Subspace in an emergency.
Still, I felt I should consult with my team members. After all, I’d be going alone.
I asked my teammates for their understanding, and they all didn’t mind.
“What? If there’s an opportunity like that, you have to go.”
“I agree.”
“Then while you’re gone, shouldn’t we level up to 26?”
Mister and Lee Shin-hee urged me to go first, and Min-jae was already thinking ahead about what to do in the meantime.
“It’s fine. We’ll just enter some random Gate and level up a bit.”
I’d gain at least one level when I returned from there, so we could enter the Gate we’d selected with our entry priority afterward.
“I was wondering where to go, but this works out perfectly.”
And so my trip to Saudi Arabia was decided.
.
.
.
“Han Hye! Over here!”
Needless to say, it wasn’t Shin Chang who called me at the airport. It was Shin Chang’s interpreter—or rather, his sharpshooter, Seo Seung-yeon.
“You were coming too, Seung-yeon?”
“How could I let Kim San go alone? Besides, I’m better at keeping watch of our surroundings.”
She wasn’t wrong. Without Seo Seung-yeon, the situation would have been quite awkward.
Just looking at Shin Chang now proved it.
“….”
Shin Chang’s eyes flickered with displeasure at Seo Seung-yeon’s remark that she was better at perimeter surveillance.
“Thank you so much for helping us out. Han Hye really shouldn’t have to bear this burden.”
“….”
Even so, when Seo Seung-yeon spoke, Shin Chang nodded his head emphatically—the most pronounced nod I’d seen from him yet.
It was the moment I realized his apology wasn’t mere lip service.
“It’s good to see you. How have you been?”
“….”
I greeted Shin Chang, but he answered with a silent nod once more.
There was a subtle difference this time. The nod was shorter than before. Was this how he communicated?
“Let’s go!”
And so the three of us headed to Saudi Arabia.
Strictly speaking, it wasn’t just three. Additional personnel from the Hunter Association and Saebyeok Guild accompanied us as well.
“We’re going to provide security, but trusting their people entirely doesn’t sit right with me, does it? Promises are promises, but the threat is real.”
Elite staff from the Saebyeok Guild deployed—Gate analysts, cooks, Hunter management trainers, and more.
Our team was small in comparison, which created quite a contrast. Saebyeok operates lean, but this was clearly their vanguard force.
And….
When I saw the chartered aircraft provided by the Hunter Association, my eyes widened.
“Wow.”
Seo Seung-yeon and Shin Chang seemed accustomed to it….
But for me, boarding an airplane for the first time—and a chartered one at that—was nothing short of astonishing.
I’d seen airplanes in videos before, but a chartered aircraft had a completely different structure than what I’d imagined.
Was something like this even possible on a plane? The thought struck me naturally.
Truly. It was comfortable and pristine.
“Is this your first time on a chartered flight?”
Seo Seung-yeon teased at my obvious wonder. I simply nodded.
“It’s my first time on any airplane.”
“Really?”
“I’m a Gate orphan.”
“Ah….”
The atmosphere grew somber for a moment, but Seo Seung-yeon smoothly changed the subject.
“By the way, did you hear about it?”
“About what?”
“There’s a super rookie in China with S-rank swordsmanship. A rare class called the Sword Master.”
“I’ve heard of them… but what about them?”
After the Gate incident, China experienced a martial arts boom, and the Sword Master was someone who trained at one of those sword dojos.
Upon awakening, they gained an S-rank swordsmanship skill and grew faster than anyone in the world, earning the title of China’s pride.
Of course, they’re no longer the fastest-growing person in the world.
I was systematically surpassing all of their growth records.
“This time, Korea exceptionally avoided Gate damage, which became a hot topic. It’s thanks to Han Hye’s efforts. So reporters apparently asked questions on purpose.”
“Oh no. I’ve drawn unwanted attention.”
“Right? But the funny part is, the Sword Master didn’t dodge it either—he caught it head-on.”
I tilted my head, wondering how he’d managed that, and saw Seo Seung-yeon’s lips curl upward.
“Han Hye said it was just smoke and mirrors? That he ran away, and if it were him, he would’ve caught everything. He says if they fought, he’d win.”
Huh? I blinked in confusion.
“Isn’t that person over level 35?”
Considering the level gap, it didn’t make sense for him to say such things.
He might be the type with weak mental fortitude, easily drawn in by provocation.
“That’s right. The Chinese side has a lot of pride, you know? He was called the world’s most promising prospect, but that video completely flipped public opinion. I think Han Hye touched a nerve.”
“Hmm. What would happen if you fought?”
“It might be doable, wouldn’t it? With your stats.”
“Come on, he’s still an S-rank swordmaster.”
“You never know. You have an S+ rank skill, after all. I think once you grow a bit more, you’ll just win outright.”
Well, even if not immediately, I felt like I’d win once I grew stronger. I had the Subspace, after all.
“I wonder if I’ll have a reason to go to China.”
“…The conference.”
That’s when Shin Chang spoke with a faint smile. The conference? Seo Seung-yeon nodded.
“Right. If we go to the guild conference together, we might run into each other?”
* * *
As we talked, we arrived in Saudi Arabia. It took quite a while, but apparently we got here faster because it was a chartered flight.
Well, since I’d basically been lying in bed the whole way, it wasn’t uncomfortable.
“Han Hye.”
Just before we got off the plane, Seo Seung-yeon handed me a strangely designed bracelet.
“Take this.”
“What is this…?”
“It’s called a bond bracelet. Wearers can signal each other if danger is detected. Location information comes through too.”
As she explained, she raised her arm, and I could see a matching bracelet on Seo Seung-yeon’s wrist. Looking beside her, Shin Chang had one on his hand as well.
“Just in case something happens, we can respond with this.”
It seemed the Saebyeok Guild was taking quite good care of me.
“Welcome!”
As we descended from the plane, Saudi officials greeted us, but they were startled when they saw who was behind me.
There was only one reason: Shin Chang and Seo Seung-yeon were with me. We’d informed them there would be security, but we hadn’t told the Saudi side who specifically would be providing it.
“…Thank you for the long flight. We’re grateful you came.”
Not long after, Saudi Arabia’s Prime Minister arrived. He’d rushed over because of Shin Chang. They said he was royalty, and I was genuinely surprised.
To think that one of the world’s top five hunters wielded this much power.
Anyway, Saudi Arabia’s weather was naturally hotter than Korea’s. However, it didn’t feel scorching.
Thanks to my A-rank flame resistance.
‘These auxiliary skills really are useful.’
Normally I’d be uncomfortable sweating from the heat, but my flame resistance gave me considerable protection against it.
With Arachne’s inner wear, my body temperature was also well-regulated. It felt quite pleasant.
The Saebyeok Guild members were quite uncomfortable with the heat, but Seo Seung-yeon and Shin Chang seemed fine like me.
Rather, Seo Seung-yeon looked at me with surprise.
“Han Hye, you’re not bothered by the heat either?”
“I have a flame resistance skill.”
“Oh, impressive. You’ve already acquired such a support skill? Truly, talent recognizes talent.”
That’s right. These resistance skills might seem trivial, but they’re quite important to hunters.
After all, extreme environments often appear inside Gates.
“They’re asking if you’ll really depart immediately. They said you could rest for a few days before leaving.”
The interpreter relayed this, but we shook our heads. This schedule had been set for an extremely short duration.
That’s because everyone here is a precious talent.
Korea’s number one Shin Chang, Seo Seung-yeon, and myself. I heard Saebyeok Guild even postponed their guild schedule because of this request.
Fortunately, hunters have decent stamina, so even with jet lag, we didn’t need to rest for several days.
‘It’s better for me to handle this quickly and leave.’
There’s no need to stay long. I wondered if the Übermenschen were dragging out time, but I shook my head.
That’s excessive suspicion. Rather, it seemed they were being considerate toward us.
“Tell them it’s fine.”
Perhaps because of Shin Chang, the Saudi side repeatedly requested conversation meetings, but Seo Seung-yeon firmly refused.
The Saudi side simply accepted. It was the moment I truly understood the prestige of Shin Chang, who holds the number one position in a hunter superpower.
“I understand. We appreciate your cooperation.”
The Saudi Prime Minister seemed quite disappointed, but there was no helping it.
We had even refused the private jet they offered and came on the Hunter Association’s instead.
We prepared all the vehicles and food to be used locally on our side as well.
It was more about avoiding unnecessary risks than suspecting them.
‘I wondered if we really needed to go this far.’
Seeing that Shin Chang and Seo Seung-yeon remained calm, this must be necessary procedure.
Besides, this was my first time going abroad. And in the hunter industry, such extraordinary situations happen so frequently.
“Dinner is prepared.”
After finishing the meal prepared by Saebyeok Guild’s chef near the Gate, we began preparing to enter.
Thanks to the Saudi side’s prior verification using an ‘Escape Secretary,’ we roughly knew what was inside.
“What we’ve confirmed is….”
Saebyeok Guild’s Gate analysis team explained based on that information, and I felt the difference between an advance team and ordinary hunters.
In any case, we completed all preparations.
“Please go carefully!”
“….”
Shin Chang and Seo Seung-yeon saw me off. Both were fully armed due to caution, but the sight looked odd.
Because I had no backpack thanks to my Subspace, it looked as though I was the one seeing them off.
“Huh?”
Setting aside such idle thoughts, the moment I entered the Gate.
When I glanced back, I saw Seo Seung-yeon’s body suddenly turn.
‘What’s that?’
It looked like she was raising a gun, but my vision shifted before I could confirm it.
* * *
[Caution: Falling Hazard]
-Level Restriction: 21~25
-Personnel Limit: 1
-Reach the highest
point
possible.
Upon entering the Gate, I found myself gazing up at a brilliant blue sky. Or rather, calling it a “sky” felt peculiar.
Everything was sky. Which meant I was suspended in mid-air.
“…?”
Beneath my feet lay a platform, with others spaced several meters apart. The structure ascended in incremental stages.
So this was like a jumping puzzle from a video game? Monstrous bird-like creatures soared through the heavens.
“What in the world….”
Confronted with this surreal landscape, I could only stand bewildered.
“This doesn’t match what I was told.”
Now that I had actually entered the Gate, the reality before me bore no resemblance whatsoever to the information provided beforehand by Saudi Arabia.

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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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