Something Keeps Appearing in My Subspace - Chapter 58
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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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58. Teamwork (1)
“First, stop them over there.”
Seo Seung-yeon pointed toward the approaching Saudi delegation.
Just before entering the Gate, we’d isolated everyone except our own people at a safe distance.
Since it was a Gate that had appeared in the city, they weren’t far away, but we’d taken the precaution to prevent any unforeseen incidents.
After successfully clearing the Gate, when our people blocked their path, the Saudi side showed obvious confusion.
“Whether it’s an act or genuine.”
Seo Seung-yeon narrowed her eyes. While Shin Chang and Seo Seung-yeon went to confront them, I prepared for combat separately. Since I didn’t know the situation.
I’d just emerged from the Gate. An ambush could happen at a moment when we’d let our guard down.
“Seo-ung? It’s Seo Seung-yeon.”
First, Seo Seung-yeon called Park Seo-ung. Notifying the Korean Hunter Association took priority.
Then Seo Seung-yeon handed her phone to an Association Staff member, and I could hear Park Seo-ung’s voice, blazing with fury.
“Yes?”
-Didn’t you hear? Lodge a formal protest! What diplomatic relations are we talking about!
This was the first time I’d seen Seo-ung like this. He always came across as kind.
Though it made sense he hadn’t risen to the Association President’s secretary position for nothing.
“Just in case, my brother will stay here. I’ll go and come back.”
After that, Seo Seung-yeon and the Association Staff member approached the Saudi delegation waiting nearby.
Shin Chang narrowed his eyes and surveyed the surroundings. He seemed genuinely intent on protecting me.
With Shin Chang positioned like that, I didn’t need to monitor a 30-meter radius. His detection range would be wider than mine. Instead, I kept my attention on Seo Seung-yeon.
I couldn’t hear the detailed conversation, but the faces of the Saudi delegation members showed considerable shock.
“…!”
The man at the front immediately bowed and apologized repeatedly, while shouts erupted from those behind him.
Someone picked up a phone, but it seemed the call wouldn’t go through, so they shook their head.
“It’s been suspicious since Seung-yeon shot earlier.”
As I watched this unfold, I heard a Saebyeokbit staff member’s voice beside me.
“Shot?”
“There was someone observing from nearby. Seung-yeon shot them. The guild master went to check and said they were from Übermenschen.”
So that had happened. Could that be why Seo Seung-yeon had suddenly spun around just before we entered the Gate?
Then my phone rang. It was Seo-ung.
-Han Hye, I’ve heard the news. I’m truly sorry. We should have verified things properly on our end as well….
“What? No, it’s not Korea’s fault.”
Seo-ung apologized first instead of saying anything else, but no matter how I looked at it, this wasn’t his fault to apologize for.
Saudi Arabia had said they’d verified it twice, and it would have been awkward for us to verify it again using an escaped secretary.
-First, I’ll lodge a formal protest with the Saudi side and then call you back. I apologize again.
While Shin Chang stood beside me with an expressionless face, Seo Seung-yeon and the Association Staff member were engaged in an animated discussion with the Saudi officials.
From a distance, it looked like we were angry and the Saudi side was flustered.
‘Well, that’s the situation.’
While someone kept bowing and apologizing, a car approached. It appeared to be someone of high rank from the Saudi side.
As soon as he arrived, he bowed as well. First to Seo Seung-yeon, and then to us in the back.
* * *
The conversation had dragged on. We waited in the lounge prepared near the Gate entrance.
Time had slipped away. Once the discussion seemed to have concluded, Seo Seung-yeon approached me.
“They’re insisting it was completely unintentional. The two Hunters who went for the preliminary inspection aren’t answering their phones. Of course, they’ve been apologizing the whole time.”
“….”
Shin Chang listened to Seo Seung-yeon’s account with a grim expression.
“There’s no way to verify if it’s true or not, but… it doesn’t seem like Saudi Arabia orchestrated anything.”
Shin Chang gave a slight nod. I shared the same assessment.
“If they’d wanted to attack, they would’ve had plenty of opportunities, right?”
“Exactly.”
If they’d truly intended to cause trouble, wouldn’t they have attempted something when I wasn’t around—perhaps targeting Seo Seung-yeon and Shin Chang?
Or right after we landed at the airport.
“Still, since the mistake was on their end, I did request some compensation. Han Hye was in danger, after all.”
We did have the escape secretary sent from Korea last time, but it had genuinely been a dangerous situation.
There was no reason not to point out something we could legitimately claim.
“This is where it gets a bit tricky though….”
“Why’s that?”
“Because those guys are the main culprits behind inflation in the Hunter market, I wanted to squeeze them for some decent items.”
That wasn’t wrong. They hoarded every high-grade item that appeared at international auctions with their massive wealth.
The Middle East had played a significant role in driving up Hunter prices too.
“Did you back down?”
“I asked for Skill Level-Up Tickets or Job Skill Acquisition Tickets with Han Hye in mind, but they said they didn’t have any.”
It was disappointing, but I understood. What I wanted couldn’t be obtained even with vast amounts of money.
I hadn’t asked Shin Chang for those without reason.
“That makes sense. Those aren’t easy to come by.”
“So I pulled some strings.”
Seo Seung-yeon spoke with confidence.
“There was one more thing Saudi Arabia needed our cooperation on, right? I eliminated that requirement.”
Hmm. That didn’t directly benefit me—or did it? They could have singled me out again for something else.
Seo Seung-yeon continued with a smile.
“Instead, Saebyeokbit will find one more thing that Han Hye is looking for.”
“Oh?”
“It’s not a bad deal for Han Hye either, right? And we don’t have to go all the way to Saudi Arabia, so we’re satisfied too.”
This wasn’t just “not bad”—it was excellent. There was no higher probability of acquiring something than through Saebyeokbit.
It was beneficial for Saebyeokbit as well. There was no need to fly all the way out here just to fulfill Saudi Arabia’s requests.
“I’m actually quite pleased.”
“….”
Shin Chang nodded, seemingly satisfied as well. But there was still something puzzling.
“Did they actually accept that?”
If the terms were enough to secure Shin Chang and Saebyeokbit’s cooperation, wouldn’t a Skill Level-Up Ticket be cheaper?
“That’s a bit complicated.”
According to what I heard, Saebyeokbit and Korea accepted three instances of hunter cooperation as a condition to obtain the S-rank spear.
Two were cooperative efforts without compensation, and one involved paid cooperation. We’d provide the cooperation but still receive payment.
“Originally, there was a condition that we couldn’t refuse the last one, but since we’re providing employment fees, it made things smoother.”
We’d cooperated once before, and with what I’d done today, that meant the obligation had been fulfilled.
“Is there anything else you’d like to receive?”
Initially, it was between obtaining a job skill or a skill level-up right, but this changed things.
While a job skill acquisition right was valuable, the skill level-up right took priority.
“One should be a skill level-up right. For the other, either one is fine.”
As Shin Chang nodded, Seo Seung-yeon continued speaking.
“Sounds good. I’ll contact you as soon as we secure them. Though it might take some time.”
“Of course. These don’t come easy.”
And so the conversation concluded.
‘It was somewhat unpleasant, but the results are satisfying.’
The Gate’s internal information differed, and there had been a minor contact with someone from the Übermenschen side who’d been observing us.
Though Seo Seung-yeon’s shooting was one-sided, for us who’d come all the way to a foreign country at their request, it was a frustrating situation.
Still, the outcome wasn’t bad.
Despite the awkward conditions attached, I’d obtained a B-rank sword. And hadn’t Saebyeokbit promised me two additional rewards?
“And apparently Saudi Arabia wants to treat us with sincere apologies… What should we do?”
“In this situation?”
“They want to make up for the mistake however they can. They said they’d deploy Saudi Arabia’s Top Guild as our escort.”
Seo Seung-yeon shrugged.
“I don’t think they’d try anything underhanded in this situation. Saebyeokbit isn’t some small-time guild… If they mess up here, they can forget about international hunter cooperation in the future.”
That’s true. Rumors spread fast in the hunter industry. They needed to show Saebyeokbit their best side.
“I’m fine. I have Seung-yeon and Shin Chang with me.”
“….”
At my words, Shin Chang offered a faint smile and nodded.
And so we were invited to the royal palace, Al Yamama Palace.
“Wow, insane….”
It was an incredibly magnificent place.
Saudi Arabia’s Top Guild escorted us to the palace, and they even exchanged greetings with Shin Chang as if they were acquainted.
“I’ve heard the gist of it. I apologize.”
They even apologized to Shin Chang. It seemed clear that Saudi Arabia hadn’t been involved.
Afterward, I ate foods I’d never tasted before in my life, and they were the finest I’d ever had.
“Please accept our sincere apologies.”
Of course, I received repeated apologies.
On top of that, a consolation payment of 50 billion won per person. This was a different concept from the damage compensation mentioned earlier.
‘A gesture to soothe feelings?’
It was enough to buy a B-rank elixir and have money left over, so it wasn’t bad. The slight displeasure had been somewhat alleviated.
And as promised, nothing noteworthy happened until we left Saudi Arabia.
When we moved, we controlled the entire road so that not a single car could pass through.
* * *
Upon returning to Korea, I couldn’t immediately meet with my guild members. They were inside a Gate, working to reach level 26.
Since Gate subjugation went faster than expected, I returned home earlier than planned, and at Shin Chang’s request, I ended up sparring with him.
“Han Hye, do you have time?”
Of course, it was Seo Seung-yeon who made the request.
I had no reason to refuse. Didn’t I have a newly acquired swordsmanship technique? I could also receive some guidance.
“…You’ve changed.”
And Shin Chang was perceptive. He said it right after seeing my first move.
“I received instruction from the Hunter Association.”
“Better than last time.”
I was about to smile slightly.
“…Still insufficient. You must work harder.”
“Yes.”
His words immediately made me understand the situation. Indeed, I still had a long way to go.
…
Then Shin Chang, who had been silent for a moment, spoke.
“Swift Blade isn’t Swift Blade because it moves quickly.”
Isn’t Swift Blade called that because it’s fast? I didn’t understand what he meant.
“…It means that true Swift Blade comes from personally discovering a sword path that can move quickly.”
“Ah.”
And when Shin Chang, who rarely spoke at length, explained further, I immediately understood.
Swift Blade certainly required fast movement, but fundamentally, I needed to find a sword path that could move quickly.
For instance, sometimes people raise their arms higher or bend their waist more to increase destructive power.
But Swift Blade was about moving with speed and decisiveness, not those things.
Suddenly, the sword path of Cressea Swordsmanship came to mind. I began to understand the simplicity of the movements and the reasoning behind the sword path.
[Cressea Swordsmanship (Grade B) has increased in level.]
And with just that, my swordsmanship level rose by one. Shin Chang, who had been watching me, spoke.
“…You’ve achieved enlightenment.”
“Yes.”
“Congratulations. You learn quickly.”
What I’d just experienced was merely a moment of insight. If I pondered this problem further, Cressea Swordsmanship would develop even more.
Seo Seung-yeon, watching from the side, let out a hollow laugh.
“Wait, your level went up just from hearing an explanation?”
“It’s only one level since I’m still at level 1.”
“Don’t say that so matter-of-factly. Even one level is rare for most people.”
Is that so?
Now that I thought about it, the swordsmanship instructor at the workshop had praised me too. Though back then, it was probably because I had an E-grade swordsmanship skill, unlike the other students.
“Well, I see.”
I tilted my head in confusion, and Seo Seung-yeon found it absurd.
“Don’t overthink it. If my brother says something like that, it definitely means you have exceptional talent.”
“….”
Shin Chang nodded silently, as if to affirm that he didn’t speak empty words.
Being recognized felt naturally wonderful. Especially since the ones acknowledging me were Shin Chang and Seo Seung-yeon of Saebyeokbit.
.
.
.
After returning home, I entered the Subspace. It was to handle my own tasks while the guild members were away.
Specifically, managing the elixir farm.
“There’s no real effect, huh?”
I consumed a semi-elixir related to ice, but my cold resistance level didn’t increase. Chun-bae said it was natural.
-Continuous consumption is required for the effect to manifest.
Well, if it had increased immediately, it would have been a full elixir, not a semi-elixir.
After that, I harvested the elixirs I’d planted last time and sowed new elixir seeds.
[Hillflower Dew (C-rank)]
[Blackroot (D-rank)]
The elixirs I harvested this time were like this. One C-rank and one D-rank. It was less than last time, but I couldn’t help but smile.
After all, one of them came from an experimental seed I’d planted with no expectations, so this was a bonus.
‘Elixirs can be duplicated.’
Looking at the elixirs, I thought I should give one to each guild member.
The biggest reason was because of Lee Shin-hee. I had to think about what Lee Shin-hee had done for me.
She saved the Guild House and the staff.
I had originally planned to give a semi-elixir, but considering what she’d done, my conscience pricked at settling with just one semi-elixir.
‘At least I should give her one C-rank elixir.’
I could consume the one D-rank myself and give Lee Shin-hee the C-rank.
Min-jae would feel disappointed if he didn’t receive anything, so I’d give him the next farm harvest.
-Hillflower Dew helps with mana enhancement, and Blackroot is good for mental fortitude.
Following Chun-bae’s advice, I decided to give the Hillflower Dew to Lee Shin-hee.
Since mental fortitude is also a good stat to develop, I decided to consume the Blackroot myself.
* * *
“Phew, things were pretty rough without you.”
Later, I met the guild members coming out of the Gate, and Mister started complaining.
The guild members weren’t the type to struggle just because I was absent. They all had outstanding stats and abilities.
“Come on, that’s just because you went to a harsh environment.”
“That’s not it.”
Mister shook his hand, and Min-jae and Lee Shin-hee nodded in agreement.
“That’s right.”
When I expressed doubt, Mister continued.
“First of all, carrying luggage is the problem. Back then I took it for granted, but after going without it a few times, it became incredibly inconvenient.”
Ah, that’s true.
Hunters have a lot to prepare when entering a Gate. Especially when heading into harsh terrain.
“I don’t think I can enter a Gate without you, hyung. I’ll take responsibility.”
Min-jae spoke playfully. Or was he? Looking at his expression, it seemed half-sincere?
“And normally you’d keep watch with your spatial sense, but without that, I have to stay on high alert the whole time.”
I hadn’t done anything, yet my reputation among the guild members seemed to have risen even more.
Well, I was playing quite a significant role, after all.
“Anyway, that’s all that matters.”
I chuckled as I spoke.
“By the way, I managed to acquire some elixirs this time.”
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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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