The Only Enhancer - Chapter 49

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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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Chapter 49
Chapter 49 – Catching a Snake While Backing Up (3)
4.
Richard Franklin settled into his private jet and opened his tablet PC.
It contained various documents recording critical intelligence.
As he reviewed the most important information among them, he stroked his chin thoughtfully.
[Kim Min-jun]
-Healer.
-Awakened slightly over a month ago.
-Number of official raids post-awakening unclear.
(Information deleted by the Korean Awakener’s Association)
-Presumed to have taken considerable time before awakening.
(Similarly, information deleted by the Korean Awakener’s Association, so cannot be confirmed)
-Initial awakening skill known to be a buff.
-Skills used up to Level 3 include buffs, heals, mana enhancement buffs, and more than expected, but unclear which are item-bound skills.
-During the Gangneung disaster raid, maintained healing for six hours without experiencing mana depletion.
As he reviewed the information recorded there, questions flooded his mind.
How could he have reached Level 3 in just a month after awakening?
This was Franklin’s greatest point of confusion.
Though Franklin himself was not an Awakener, his knowledge of Awakeners was among the world’s finest.
Even to Franklin’s discerning eye, every piece of Min-jun’s information seemed anomalous.
Beyond mere coincidence, there was definitely something there.
“Hmm.”
Rapid level advancement was, conversely, evidence that one’s mana quantity and quality were equally exceptional.
But at this level, it had to be considered among the highest tier of Level 6 aptitude.
While Healers are characterized by superior mana quantity and quality alike, it’s not as though Level 6 Healers don’t exist.
To Franklin’s knowledge, no Hunter had ever demonstrated growth of this magnitude.
Including Level 6 Healers.
All the information pointed to one conclusion.
Aptitude transcending Level 6—Level 7 aptitude.
‘That must be it.’
The world’s first Level 7.
The very name was intoxicating.
But why?
Franklin still harbored an unsettling feeling.
A nagging sense that something didn’t quite add up.
Was his intuition telling him there was something more here?
Could there possibly be something else?
His reason said no, but his instinct insisted there was more.
It was profoundly unsettling.
‘Well, I’ll find out soon enough.’
But this unease wouldn’t last long.
Once I see it with my own eyes, I’ll be able to understand things better.
5.
Holding a position of power came with no shortage of headaches.
Ma Hyun-seok was no exception.
Because many Hunters had joined the Hunter Association after hearing of Ma Hyun-seok’s heroic deeds, there were considerable troubles, and he often had to mediate disputes between various guilds.
Especially.
‘The Sacerdotal Society is becoming a problem.’
Even now, they were causing a commotion trying to claim Min-jun, and Ma Hyun-seok was personally stepping in to stop them.
The Top 5 Guilds were also united in their efforts to block them, which was the only reason they succeeded; otherwise, there was no telling where this would spiral.
Though it seemed Myung Ha-jin had given up to some extent.
Lee Hyuk, the leader, hadn’t given up, and his response had been fierce.
Especially after the Gangneung disaster raid, his reaction intensified.
But honestly, anyone who heard about it would have reacted the same way.
Even China had apparently made moves because of it.
It was nothing but a headache.
‘Still, it’s good that one problem has been resolved.’
Who would have thought they’d actually captured the Earth Dragon and Human Dragon of Sanryong.
I had thought it fortunate that Jung Ji-hwan had called Won Eun-seong in advance, but reading the report left me astounded regardless.
‘Heh.’
At first, I thought my eyes were deceiving me.
-The Human Dragon, Seo Ryang, weakened by Jung Ji-hwan’s curse, was neutralized, and the Earth Dragon, Son Bo, who had attempted to take his own life afterward, was saved through detoxification and healing.
It was a hastily written, brief report, but it was sufficient.
Even the weakest of Sanryong, the Human Dragon, was still Level 5.
No matter how much Jung Ji-hwan’s curse weakened him, a mere Level 3 defeated Seo Ryang?
It was absolutely impossible.
At this point, I had no choice but to accept it.
Min-jun possessed Level 7 potential.
I had even considered the possibility that he might be among the strongest of Level 6 potential, but that made no sense.
‘There was once a sparring match between a Level 4 Hunter with Level 6 potential and a Level 5 Hunter.’
The result was an obvious victory for the Level 5.
Even when the one with Level 6 potential was equipped with superior items, they had lost.
Yet a Level 3 had defeated a Level 5.
Ma Hyun-seok clenched both fists and trembled at this fact.
Finally. At last, a true talent had appeared in this nation.
‘Can I finally retire now!?’
I had devoted myself entirely to protecting this country with a patriotic heart, but now I was already seventy years old.
I had wanted to take things easier and enjoy my remaining years.
But if I retired, wouldn’t the anchor that held everything together disappear?
That’s why I was happier than anyone when I first learned about Min-jun.
He didn’t need to join the Awakener’s Association.
‘If he just creates his own guild and stands on his own, that alone would be enough to check the Top 5 Guilds and the Sacerdotal Society!’
What would they dare to touch a guild ruled by a Level 6, or even Level 7 hunter?
They’d have no choice but to back down.
Of course, even if Min-jun only reached Level 7, or even just Level 6, that would be enough, but I’d have to work until then.
It would take at least a few more years, but that was sufficient.
‘Isn’t this better than thinking I’d never be able to retire?’
Then several new reports came to Ma Hyun-seok.
First, one was a report from Jung Ji-hwan.
‘Hmm? Min-jun asked to see me?’
It’s probably about the guild, isn’t it?
It couldn’t be anything else, really.
He’d won against a Level 5, so his power was more than sufficient.
And upon seeing the other matter, Ma Hyun-seok’s expression crumpled.
“Hmm. Richard Franklin.”
Without realizing it, he muttered and let out a sigh.
That cunning fox was coming to Korea.
If he saw Min-jun, he’d be the first to try to poach him without hesitation.
He was the kind of talent-obsessed maniac who’d even made offers to me.
I had to find a way to stop him.
If things went wrong….
‘My retirement could vanish.’
That was the one thing I wanted to prevent at all costs.
6.
With Min-seong and Jung Ji-hwan’s efforts, they were able to capture all the Chinese villains.
Including Level 5 hunters Son Bo and Seo Ryang, twenty Level 4 hunters.
It was an enormous force, yet it was an achievement accomplished by Min-jun and Jung Ji-hwan alone.
Won Eun-seong, who arrived late with the captured Blade Repairer, couldn’t hide his shock at this fact.
Even with Jung Ji-hwan’s curses, it was a battle they couldn’t have won.
Especially against Level 5 hunters.
No matter how weakened, they were beings with ultimate skills.
Yet Min-jun helped defeat them all.
It was a situation where even Jung Ji-hwan would have had to risk his life.
“Just what….”
Before the villains appeared, he’d made comparisons with Lee Hyuk, the leader of the Sacerdotal Society, but actually stopping them like this was a different matter entirely.
As Won Eun-seong stood in shock.
Jung Ji-hwan approached and spoke.
“Transport them quickly and go.”
“…Aren’t you surprised at all?”
“Of course it’s surprising, but that’s separate from work. Get moving with the escort.”
“….”
How does he manage to say things so irritatingly?
And on top of that.
“Wait, if I just send the team members….”
“Shouldn’t you be the one in charge?”
“What about you!”
“That’s an obvious question. I need to provide security for Min-jun.”
“What? Then I should also get security….”
“It seems you’re sufficient without it. Still, there should be at least one person in charge of the escort, shouldn’t there?”
“….”
Won Eun-seong had no rebuttal to Jung Ji-hwan’s cleanly delivered words, and his shoulders sagged.
There was more he wanted to discuss with Min-jun.
Hoping another opportunity would come later, he went to help with the escort.
While Jung Ji-hwan and Won Eun-seong were conversing.
Min-jun was lost in thought alone.
Basking in the rising sense of accomplishment.
‘I actually defeated a Level 5.’
Myself, merely a Level 4, had won against a Level 5.
While the credit belonged partly to various items, my exceptional combat instincts had played a significant role.
Of course, there were still areas where I fell short.
‘It would’ve been better if I’d used Blink instead of blocking.’
Since I had the Blazing Crimson Gauntlet, my ultimate skill wasn’t compromised.
What if I’d escaped with Blink and attacked instead?
It was a judgment error born from inexperience, but aside from that, nearly everything had been flawless.
I’d immediately assisted Jung Ji-hwan in checking enemies and consistently dealt solid damage.
Of course, I didn’t win alone.
I was fighting an opponent who’d been hit by Jung Ji-hwan’s four different area-of-effect curses.
But conversely.
‘If I could also land a curse combo, I could handle a Level 5 one-on-one right now.’
My greatest advantage.
Being able to wield and create high-tier items more freely than anyone else.
The issue was knowing what options would attach.
That had been resolved long ago when I reached Level 4.
[Enhancer’s Eye]
-Can preview what options will appear on an item.
*However, Enhancer-exclusive options cannot be confirmed.
‘With Enhancer’s Hand and Enhancer’s Eye, it’s not impossible.’
It was unfortunate that I couldn’t confirm Enhancer-exclusive options, but knowing in advance what skills would attach was incredible.
A broken skill on par with Enhancer’s Hand, which allowed me to use all skills on items I’d enhanced without restrictions.
One of Min-jun’s long-standing goals had finally been fulfilled.
To possess enough strength to adequately protect himself.
That goal had been realized right now.
With his current power, he could easily stand against Level 5 hunters.
There were still Level 6 powerhouses in the world, but even that, he could confidently say, was merely a matter of time.
‘It’s only a question of time.’
After all, wouldn’t Min-jun soon possess more Level 6 items than anyone else?
He only had one so far, but he still had a considerable amount of Level 5 essence remaining.
Enough to create at least one more, if not more.
If he were to craft a weapon from it?
The effect would be beyond description.
Most importantly.
‘I still have the guaranteed enhancement available.’
Of course, he had no intention of using it now.
In a situation where maximum enhancement might exist, it would be far too wasteful to spend a guaranteed Level 6 enhancement immediately.
But simply having it available was what mattered.
So then.
He had now confirmed he possessed the strength to protect what mattered.
What remained was….
“You seem to have much on your mind.”
Jung Ji-hwan approached and spoke to him.
Min-jun could only nod in agreement at his words.
Anyone could see it was true.
Jung Ji-hwan, observing Min-jun, stroked his chin with an expressionless face.
Well, it was certainly a time for deep contemplation.
He was only twenty years old.
At such an age, he had achieved victory against a Level 5—someone who could be called a leading figure in the hunter world.
Even with Jung Ji-hwan’s assistance, victory was still victory.
Those of such caliber often found themselves walking down a twisted path.
Jung Ji-hwan himself had been no exception.
‘Protection means safeguarding, after all.’
In other words, wasn’t preventing someone from straying also a part of protection?
It was a thought that would sound insane to anyone who heard it, yet Jung Ji-hwan genuinely believed it.
And Min-jun responded to Jung Ji-hwan’s words.
“Pardon? Ah. Yes, I suppose so.”
“Though my curse was a factor, you still defeated a Level 5, so it’s only natural to think so.”
“Ah.”
“Then, will you be establishing a guild now?”
“A guild?”
At Jung Ji-hwan’s words, Min-jun found himself repeating the question without thinking.
I’d thought about it briefly before.
Imagining myself unbeholden to anyone, I’d vowed not to belong anywhere—and if it came to that, I’d create my own guild instead.
But founding a guild wasn’t exactly simple.
As Min-jun pondered this, Jung Ji-hwan spoke.
“Typically, exceptional hunters establish guilds once they believe they’ve acquired sufficient power. All of the current Top 5 Guilds did the same.”
“I see.”
Min-jun honestly wasn’t sure himself.
I had acquired power.
Stronger than anyone else’s.
It wasn’t merely about martial prowess.
I knew well that the power to enhance items was more formidable than anything else.
But power and management were different things.
Could I run a guild well?
I was still young, knowing far less than I didn’t know.
To claim I could do it well would be arrogance.
Then Jung Ji-hwan, standing before Min-jun, gazed at him with piercing clarity.
And he spoke.
“You will do well.”
“I… what?”
The unwavering intensity in his eyes was so genuine that Min-jun found himself shaken instead.
What was he basing such conviction on?
As Min-jun puzzled over this, Jung Ji-hwan continued.
“I’m not about to offer some trite platitude about how you’ll struggle at first but eventually succeed.”
“Then what are you saying?”
“The world revolves around the strong.”
“Pardon?”
It was an oddly abrupt statement.
Yet somehow…
Min-jun found himself hanging on Jung Ji-hwan’s every word.
“The world revolves around the strong, and people naturally follow such strength. That principle has never changed from ancient times to now. And you, Min-jun, are merely twenty years old—yet you’ve already defeated a Level 5, a figure who could be called a pillar of the hunter world. Without even approaching your limits.”
“…”
“It may be difficult to imagine now, but why not envision yourself commanding your own force?”
“…My own force.”
Speaking of my potential, he called me a strong one purely and simply.
I’d known it intellectually, but it had never truly resonated.
Paint the future.
Such a trite, worn phrase.
Yet now it struck Min-jun’s mind with an intensity no other words could match.
At those words, my heart began to race violently.
‘Ah, now he’s beginning to understand.’
Jung Ji-hwan smiled faintly at the thought.
It was only natural for anyone to be pleased if advice proved helpful.
In fact, Jung Ji-hwan himself was curious.
‘A guild that leads with such an extraordinary buff.’
It was terrifying beyond measure.
Above all, hadn’t he experienced it himself?
That extraordinary buff.
And he thought to himself.
‘I apologize to the Association Director, but I will be the first member of that guild.’
He maintained his registration with the Association, but he’d never felt a true sense of belonging.
Yet after assisting Min-jun for these past few days, he’d come to understand that Min-jun was someone worthy of loyalty.
Though still young and inexperienced, that was precisely why he would be needed.
But the Association would function perfectly well without him, wouldn’t it?
After all, people should be where they are needed.
With the resolve to betray the Association without hesitation, Jung Ji-hwan smiled contentedly to himself.
But Jung Ji-hwan couldn’t have known.
What kind of vision Min-jun was imagining at this very moment.
Everyone clad in Level 6 items radiating brilliant violet light, stepping into battle—the thought sent shivers down his spine.
A raid party armed with Level 6 items, the only one of its kind in the world.
Contemplating that vision, Min-jun couldn’t help but think.
‘A guild specializing in hunting Calamity Level 5 disasters that no one else has ever conquered.’
How could he make this goal a reality?
He had enough power to protect himself now, but strengthening every piece of equipment to Level 6 was still beyond his current capacity, so he needed to raise his level first.
In other words, he needed an enormous quantity of items.
But if he purchased too many items, suspicion would inevitably arise.
So the answer was now simple.
‘It’s time to reveal that I’m an Enhancer.’

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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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