234 — Hero (2)

I looked at the woman in front of me and was certain.
There was no doubt.

“The chairman Yu Neung-hae mentioned…!”

She was the hunter listed on the roster.

Since the vacation started, I regularly communicated and exchanged information with Chairman Yu Neung-hae.
Just last night, we talked for about an hour.
The reason was, of course, to prepare countermeasures against the inevitable invasion of <Tartarus>.

“So, there’s absolutely no movement at all.”

–Yeah, it’s so quiet that it’s unsettling. We’ve even assigned some watchers and spies in the Underworld… but apparently, there’s no large-scale mobilization.

“…Is there any word about the import of prohibited items? Like slime masks that alter faces as in the Jing Daram incident, or pills that induce berserk states…”

–Not at all~ Except for a few things sold on the black market, nothing is visible. It seems they have no intention of using such things. They probably don’t want to get caught before the operation.

I gathered various circumstances like that.
The conversation naturally moved on to discussing countermeasures.

There were many things to be concerned about.
Among them, what the two of us considered most important was.
Strong, reliable,
And recruiting B to A-rank hunters who held great grudges against the <Crime Clan>.

No matter how many traps are set or how advantageous the terrain is.
In the end, without powerful hunters, it’s difficult to resist.
Recruiting even one more and summoning them immediately when the incident occurs would greatly affect the outcome.

‘Among them, the candidates Yu Neung-hae said she wanted to hire first.’

About 25 talented individuals.
The woman before me was the top candidate among them.
However, Yu Neung-hae said it would probably be difficult to recruit her.

“Hoo-ehng. She meets all the conditions, you know? Strong, holds grudges against villains, and has a righteous heart to protect the weak. She’s literally the number one leader candidate.”

She never answers the calls…
Of course, she can’t be unaware.
Is she deliberately avoiding us?

I asked out of curiosity.

“Uh, is there a reason she’s avoiding? Maybe she dislikes the academy…”
“Hmm, that’s not it. I think it’s because it goes against her beliefs. Actually, all 25 on this list share similar ideologies.”
“Ideology?”
“Yes, none of them have proper affiliations or powers. They are hunters who take on and handle tasks solely based on their own beliefs and judgment… I’ve heard they strongly dislike being called by any organization.”

That’s unfortunate.
Their strength would have been a great help.

Yes. That was roughly the story.
While I was thinking, the opponent approached.
She looked at me once and cautiously asked.

“…Are you B-rank hunter Yu Seha?”
“Ah, yes, that’s me.”
“…Um, then, for this ‘Qilin’ hunt…?”
“Uh… yes, that’s correct.”
“Ah, nice to meet you. I am…”

The woman who was about to continue stopped midway.
She looked at me and nodded slightly.

“…It seems you already know me?”
“Yes, I heard about you from an acquaintance… You are A-rank hunter Na Teun-teun, right?”
“That’s right. Nice to meet you. I’m Na Teun-teun.”

We shook hands briefly.
I was about to ask her business.
But Na Teun-teun quickly pointed with her spear to the sparring ground in the corner.

“Sorry for the sudden request…”
“…Yes?”

Would you spar with me?

[The spirit of ‘Sword Heaven Eastern Mansion’ flows. The effect of ‘Sword Master’s Tower’ is applied.]
[All weapon and physical skill proficiencies slightly increase.]

Clang-!
Clack-!
Ching-!

The metallic sounds spread as we clashed.
Footsteps echoed as we moved swiftly.

Every time I blocked, countered, or dodged the spear, messages appeared.
I glanced at the messages and nodded.
Indeed, I understood why so many hunters gathered here.

However, I had already experienced a perfect superior version.
To be honest, it didn’t satisfy me.

“<Festival of the Fallen> can’t be compared.”

The growth rate was less than one-thousandth.
There was no stat boost that surged with the crowd’s cheers.

Still, <Sword Heaven Eastern Mansion> is a precious training ground all hunters dream of.
I once again realized how great the <Festival of the Fallen> was.

Clang-!!!
A powerful piercing sound.
And a clash.
My [Overlord Sword Technique] clashed with Na Teun-teun’s lightning-fast spear thrust.

Immediately after, we both stepped back without hesitation.
We sheathed our weapons.

Na Teun-teun removed her helmet.
She wiped the sweat flowing down her brass-colored hair with the back of her hand.

“…Impressive. I had a rough idea seeing you finish <Ho-cheon> in one go, but you far exceeded my expectations. Unbelievable strength for your age.”
“Thank you.”

After lightly finishing the spar, we sat on chairs in the sparring ground and talked.

And what I learned was.

As expected, Na Teun-teun knew about Chairman Yu Neung-hae’s contact.

“Ah, then…”
“Yes, I received contact from Miss Yu Neung-hae some time ago.”

Na Teun-teun paused.
She stared blankly into the air.
Then she answered.

“…I didn’t bother to reply, but it was essentially a refusal.”
“…Ah.”

A sense of regret naturally filled me.
No, it’s too precious to give up like this.
Desperate, I asked for the reason.
Then Na Teun-teun spoke honestly.

“…Actually, we don’t trust <Gonis Hunter Academy> that much.”
“…We?”
“Yes. Even if it’s said to be relatively fair, it’s still one of the four major powers. Basically, we don’t trust powerful forces.”

Especially, this help request has extremely limited information.
They only promise good conditions and high rewards.
They didn’t properly reveal the identity of the <Villain, Mine> who would attack.

“I only heard that they’d tell us after signing the contract.”
“……”

I was silent.
This must be the stumbling block.
It’s not Yu Neung-hae’s fault; it’s an unavoidable issue.

Firm trust and contractual relations are essential.
Only then can the attacking entity be known not to be just some random thug,

But actually <Tartarus>.

Yu Neung-Hae and I, suspected that Kim Min-su and others would definitely invade based on various incidents.
To others, it was just a proposal close to suspicion without solid evidence.

‘Even with Kim Min-su’s magic… it’s hard to present that as proof.’

Therefore, the contract Yu Neung-hae offers is,
Basically, a plea like, ‘Ah, they might come? Really strong ones… Huh? Who? Well, if you sign, I’ll tell you. Hehe…’

At least, they promised rewards that would make you exclaim “Wow!” so they gathered quite a few.

‘And among those gathered, 30% immediately refused upon learning it was Tartarus.’

Thanks to the oath, it’s a huge relief that information hasn’t leaked.

Anyway, this method
Made it impossible to hire someone like Na Teun-teun who acts solely on her beliefs.

“Sigh…”

I swallowed my disappointment.
Just as I thought I should give up.

Thud-!

Na Teun-teun stabbed her spear into the ground and stood up.
Her brass-colored eyes looked at me.

Without any preamble, she greeted me once,
And immediately asked for a sparring match.
This time too, she went straight to the point without extra words.

“Is the giant mountain approaching?”

“……”

With that one phrase, I clearly understood Na Teun-teun’s nature.
Not through many words or explanations…
But someone who moves by a sincere word.

‘Then…’

I had to respond accordingly.

“Yes. It’s approaching. Surely evil and strong—”
“-Understood. I will be your strength.”
“…Yes?”

Uh. Hmm?
I didn’t expect her to accept so easily…?

While I was flustered,
Na Teun-teun looked outside.
That seemed to be a signal.

The door opened.
About 30 hunters poured in.

“…Ah, no!?”

I was surprised the moment I saw them.
Each one was like Na Teun-teun, hunters listed in the documents Yoo Se-ha sent.

All were at least B-rank to A-rank.
They were the ones who had strong beliefs and skills and had said it was a pity they weren’t contacted.

“Uh, um, these people are…”
“They are my comrades. Like me, they have long interacted regardless of clan or association affiliations.”

Also, they pursue the same ideology.

“…Ideology?”
“Yu Seha. This world is ugly.”
“…Yes?”

Na Teun-teun suddenly blurted out her words again.
She silently stared into the void.
For a moment, I had the illusion of seeing her life.

“…Many people only chase desires in this world. Even as the world decays, everyone is busy turning their eyes away from reality. Those who truly raise weapons for others have become fewer.”

Therefore, we have waited.
The justice the association proclaimed at its founding.
The pride when the <Hunter> appeared in this world.
Someone who will restore all of that.

“A hero.”

After finishing, Na Teun-teun looked at me steadily.

“And now…”

I have found it.