Something Keeps Appearing in My Subspace - Chapter 81

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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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81. Pharva Ancient Ruin (1)
“Association President.”
“What is it?”
“A sudden thought, but you seem truly remarkable.”
“Sudden?”
Why was he acting like this? The Association President frowned at his direct secretary Park Seo-ung’s words.
“What did you do wrong? Speak quickly. And spare me the flattery.”
“No, sir. I just heard news about the Spirit Summoner.”
“Spirit Summoner? Who?”
“The one who went to the United States. The one preparing a contract around the same time as the Space Mage.”
An A-rank Spirit Summoner. Before Han Hye appeared, she had been Korea’s top contract candidate.
The Spirit Summoner had postponed the contract and felt out the Association, but in the meantime the Space Mage emerged and she ended up going to the United States.
“What about her?”
“When I looked into it, she’s already level 13.”
Han Hye’s growth was absurdly fast, but considering she possessed an A-rank skill, the Spirit Summoner’s progress was sluggish by comparison.
“I had some doubts back then, but you told me to focus on the Space Mage, sir.”
“That was partly luck. I knew it would work out well, but who could have predicted it would go this far?”
I spoke from the heart. Lee Sang-yeop, who worked as a swordsmanship instructor at the workshop, had offered some advice.
I recognized the potential, but I never imagined such absurd growth was possible.
If I’d truly foreseen this, I should have opened a fortune-telling shop instead of becoming Association President.
“Isn’t that your instinct, sir?”
“Flattery for someone about to step down.”
“That’s precisely why I’m saying this. Why couldn’t it work out?”
“What couldn’t?”
“Your term as Association President. If things go well, you might be able to serve another term…”
Park Seo-ung, who had brought it up, gauged the Association President’s reaction. He wasn’t someone who enjoyed such conversations.
Yet contrary to expecting irritation, the Association President let out a shallow sigh.
“It’s set by law. No consecutive terms.”
Hunter Association President.
It wasn’t a position one could easily climb to. Weren’t Hunters treated as more important than strategic weapons?
It was also a position that represented their interests while distributing benefits to the Hunters.
Because one could grant favors to specific Guilds and even manipulate their growth, there were many restrictions and the public eye was constantly upon it.
Kang Seok-du himself hadn’t found it easy to reach the Association President position. Before retirement, wasn’t he the leader of the Iron Wall Guild, the number one Guild?
Even during his tenure, there had been much talk.
‘Even though I deliberately treated matters objectively, it still happened.’
Originally, among all Hunter Association Presidents before Kang Seok-du, not a single one had been a Hunter.
It couldn’t be helped—it was politically and economically important, and wasn’t it a crucial position maintaining the nation’s current security?
Since only ten years had passed since the Gate incident began, it was also ambiguous for Hunters to serve as Association President.
Had the previous Association President and the one before him not stepped down amid continuous corruption and scandal, I wouldn’t have taken this seat either.
-The Association President sent a Hunter near his own home?
-Damn lunatics. If you’re going to do this, just hire active Hunters instead.
In the face of an angry public outcry, the hero Kang Seok-du, who lost his legs saving citizens during the Gate crisis, took the position.
That was when the Hunter Association began running smoothly.
“Don’t you have connections with the Iron Wall Guild and Saebyeokbit? Wouldn’t it be worth trying?”
“All that comes out is scandal.”
With Kang Seok-du, who was already connected to Iron Wall, maintaining his position in such a manner, it was difficult to generate positive sentiment.
“What, you think you’ll get fired if I step down?”
“No, sir. If you step down, I’ll have to quit too.”
Park Seo-ung sighed.
“It’s because it looks like Jo Ji-hyuk will take your position as Association President.”
Jo Ji-hyuk.
At the name of the Daeup Guild Master, the Association President frowned.
The active-duty Hunter had been mingling with political circles for years. In reality, the possibility was considerable.
Because Kang Seok-du had done well as Association President, there was significant public opinion that the next president should also be a Hunter.
‘Kim San isn’t the type for Association President.’
The Iron Wall Guild Master was the same. I knew well since he was my junior. He’s the type who should be in the field, not in a position like this.
There was no suitable candidate to sit in the Association President’s chair instead of Jo Ji-hyuk.
“There’s no help for it.”
The Association President shrugged.
“Jo Ji-hyuk isn’t stupid. He won’t do anything blatant.”
The Hunter Association President is a position under the scrutiny of many. Even the objective Kang Seok-du faced criticism.
No matter how connected to political circles, overt favoritism was difficult.
Priority assignments, consideration when Gate applications overlapped, or preferential treatment in selling Association-owned items.
That much is bearable. Iron Wall and Saebyeokbit aren’t easy targets. They won’t be pushed out by such tactics.
“Still….”
“Enough. Stop with the pointless talk.”
The Association President’s eyes sharpened, so Park Seo-ung closed his mouth.
“I’m in a hurry to do what I can while I’m still here. I need to quickly develop promising guilds, including the Dragon Guild.”
Daeup oddly had issues with the Dragon Guild.
Even if that weren’t the case, as the third-ranked guild, they wouldn’t fail to check the promising guilds climbing up.
“If worst comes to worst, I should consider transferring to Saebyeokbit or Iron Wall. The Dragon Guild side would have to accept it, though.”
In an objective situation, it would be a disadvantageous transfer, but if Jo Ji-hyuk’s discrimination and obstruction occurred, it would be better.
“Still, there’s some time left. It’s next spring, after all. Something good might happen before then.”
“What good thing?”
“For instance, if the law changes and your term as Association President gets extended.”
“Say something that makes sense.”
Park Seo-ung scratched the back of his head.
“With the current atmosphere, if Han Hye or Choi Chul-gi said a word supporting your reelection, it might shift public opinion a bit….”
“Stop it. Hunters should focus on Hunter work. What kind of talk is that?”
Kang Seok-du waved his hand before glaring.
“Just so you know, if the Dragon Guild finds out you’re spouting nonsense like that, you’re dead meat.”
“…Surely not. I’m just disappointed, that’s all. Disappointed.”
Being a loyal servant was never easy. Park Seo-ung felt a twinge of injustice after being scolded so harshly.
* * *
Since it had been pre-assigned, though it took time, the Pharva Ancient Ruin was allocated to us.
As we prepared for entry, guild training proceeded alongside material preparation at the Guild House.
During this time, I received a call from Shin Chang.
Or rather, more precisely, from Seo Seung-yeon.
-I heard something big happened? You must be amazing?
Since I’d been inside the Gate when the uncontrolled Gate erupted and only came out afterward, I’d learned the news a beat late.
“Did you have a safe trip? It took quite a while.”
-Yeah. There was a lot to do. Oh, and I really searched hard for what you requested, but I couldn’t find it. I’ll keep an eye out next time.
She was referring to the occupational skill acquisition voucher and skill level-up voucher.
Since they didn’t come around easily, I hadn’t held great expectations. Shin Chang had the highest probability of obtaining them, so he’d bring them to me eventually.
And I didn’t need them urgently right now. Of course, it would be nice to get them sooner, but the current situation was sufficient.
My own growth wasn’t particularly fast either. In fact, it might be better to obtain them later when my growth rate slows down.
-But how did you take down a high-grade Ogre in one strike? I was really shocked when I saw it.
“I got lucky.”
-Come on, what luck? To fell a high-grade Ogre, your stats need to be at a certain level. Did you consume some S-rank elixir or something? Is it because you’re +-rank?
The stat difference came from the Heavenly Sword, but explaining that in detail seemed tedious, so I just laughed it off.
-Kim San said he wanted to spar with you after seeing that.
“I’d be happy to. But I’m entering a Gate soon. When would be convenient for you?”
-Then let’s do it after you return. He said he’s been training alone for a few days because he realized something this time.
So it was settled that I’d spar with Shin Chang after returning from the Gate.
I thought I could discuss the Gate metal with him when we met then. It was important enough information that it wouldn’t be suitable for a phone call.
-Oh, did you see that?
“See what?”
-Liu Zhen’s interview.
“No. What happened?”
Hadn’t Seo Seung-yeon just come out of the Gate not long ago? Yet she knew more about outside news than I did.
-It’s really funny. You should check it out.
The call ended like that. With the conversation fresh in mind, I looked it up right away. It was a video uploaded to YouTube.
It wasn’t an interview by a formal journalist—rather, a foreign YouTuber had asked Liu Zhen a question in passing.
-A Korean Space Mage took down a high-grade Ogre in one strike. What do you think about that?
-I can do that too. I’m stronger.
-But you’ve never caught an Ogre in a 1v1, right?
-If I did it, I could do it.
-Is that so? But isn’t the Korean hunter in the late 20s level range?
I was level 31 now, but when I’d taken down the Ogre, I was level 29, so his statement wasn’t entirely wrong.
At the journalist’s words, Liu Zhen’s expression darkened considerably.
-You have S-rank swordsmanship, but I understand you had no experience fighting Ogres before level 30. Can you be certain you could have done it then?
-….
-I’m asking for an answer.
-I could have.
Liu Zhen’s face flushed crimson as he spoke and walked past, while the foreigner raised both hands above his shoulders with an expression that seemed to say, “Is that so? Doesn’t seem like it though.”
A hollow laugh escaped me. Strictly speaking, it felt like I’d gotten caught in the crossfire with Issue Lekka instead….
I think I would have felt sympathetic if he’d just spoken politely to me, but what’s with that guy’s pride.
In the related videos below, there was also a video from an American Hunter—the Super Rookie Blake who had argued with Liu Zhen.
-Have you seen Korea’s Space Mage?
-I have. I thought it was impressive. It would have been impossible for me at that level. I think they deserve to join the Super Rookie ranks, not just be considered a prospect.
-That’s quite generous praise. Given the argument with Liu Zhen, I thought you wouldn’t say that.
-It’s not generosity—it’s fact. That guy from China has always been all talk from the beginning.
-(laughs) I somewhat agree.
-Somewhat? Why, didn’t he claim from the very start of his awakening that he’d be the best in the world?
-Couldn’t that still happen?
-That’s hilarious coming from someone not even level 10 yet. Meanwhile, the Space Mage is a Hunter who quietly does their job. I like people like that.
Hmm. Someone who can read people well? Suddenly, this American Hunter named Blake became quite likable to me.
Since these were foreign interviews with Korean subtitles, the comments were almost entirely from Koreans.
Hahaha, that’s refreshing!
-Space Mage
-Space Mage is a bit;; just call her Han Hye
-Han Hye
But the fact that the Space Mage doesn’t go out much is actually charming, you know.
I hate seeing hunters who’ve caught celebrity disease.
-Wow, isn’t Blake one of the top Super Rookies?
That kid is treated almost like a starter, not just a super rookie.
-Honestly, when it was Liu Zhen’s turn, Blake fighting instead of Han Hye was great
It suddenly occurred to me that I’d handled it well at the time.
Not standing in front of the public like star Hunters was just my nature, but I needed to hold back when necessary and let loose when the moment came.
‘Liu Zhen is in the late 30s level range now, isn’t he.’
I might catch up to him sooner than expected.
I heard there were no plans for a Guild Conference since the situation remained unstable after the third mass-release Gate….
When that stabilizes, wouldn’t my level be similar to Liu Zhen’s? We might even face off.
Hmm. I need to diligently clear Gates and train.
* * *
“Is everyone ready?”
I conducted final checks with the Guild members in front of the Pharva Ancient Ruin Gate near Daegu.
“Ready.”
“Yes.”
“Yes!”
I was just asking to confirm.
We’d trained together yesterday and stayed at the Guild House before driving down, so I was checking on our arrival.
The chef’s food was still excellent, and the accommodations were comfortable. The Association President even hired a driver for us, so the journey was incredibly convenient.
I signaled to the Hunter Association staff that we were entering. Behind them, there were plenty of reporters gathered as well.
‘We’ve been making headlines consecutively, after all.’
They’d photograph us entering the Gate, write their articles, and then wait until the Gate was cleared.
Originally, since we hadn’t made our Guild’s Gate-clearing schedule public, there wouldn’t have been this many people.
-I’d recommend doing it.
My perspective had changed thanks to a conversation I’d had while sparring with Sang-yeop, who was recently an Instructor.
When Hunters engage in external activities directly, it’s all about raising awareness for the individual and the Guild.
Of course, there are people who catch celebrity fever too, but….
This kind of public-friendly approach boosts the Guild’s image and makes it easier to receive sponsorships.
‘We’re not lacking in funds.’
Quite a bit of sponsorship money had come in for the Guild recently. Citizens moved by our actions had sent it to us.
The amount was substantial enough to surprise even me.
“Have a safe trip!”
“Dragon Guild, fighting!”
Since we’d made the Gate schedule public, many ordinary citizens had come as well. You could call them fans, in a sense.
It was a phenomenon that arose because famous Hunters had achieved celebrity-level popularity.
Too embarrassed to speak to those who’d come to cheer us on, I simply bowed in greeting.
I stood before the Gate, listening to the growing cheers.
“I wish you safe passage.”
And with the Hunter Association staff’s encouragement, I entered.
[Pharva Ancient Ruin]
-Recommended Level: 31~35
-Personnel Limit: 10
-Explore the ancient ruins. 71 hours 59 minutes remaining.
“Huh?”
What I felt immediately after was a scorching heat. A fairly tall volcano loomed before us.
Lava flowed down from that volcano through black volcanic rock.
In other words, it was a flame zone.
“…!”
My eyes met with Mister’s.
I wasn’t sure what would happen, but once again, an environment perfect for us to shine had unfolded.

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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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