Chapter 40
Chapter 40
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 40
Chapter Title: The Starting Point of Revival and Decline
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"Roha, this is the room."
"Thanks."
The room they entered under Seol A-yoon's guidance overlooked the press conference hall in a single glance. Countless association staff filled the seats, buzzing about, but no one paid any mind to this side, as if they couldn't see it.
About five minutes passed like that, and the bustling crowd suddenly quieted down, taking their seats as the lights dimmed.
With bright light pouring only onto the podium amid the resounding applause, Jin Tae-san appeared without a host.
"Greetings, I'm Jin Tae-san. I'm thrilled that today, finally, our new association president takes office to lead and take charge of this association. Haha, you must be bored hearing this old man give a stuffy speech, right? Let me introduce her right away."
The cheers and applause erupted again at Jin Tae-san's brief words, skipping the usual host's script or formal address.
"Standing at the forefront of the association from now on, working tirelessly for the people—the association president, Hunter Cheon I-ryeong!"
A camera hurriedly followed the tip of Jin Tae-san's finger as he paused for a beat before shouting.
But why is there only one camera at an event like this?
Unlike the expectation of cameras packed densely, only a single broadcasting station was covering the scene.
'Is it because of that thing from yesterday? Even so, wouldn't it be better to film it in various ways?'
Even though trust in the association had fallen due to the manipulated video, the inauguration of the association president wasn't a light matter.
As she looked at Seol A-yoon with puzzlement, it struck her that Seol A-yoon's expression seemed unusually calm today.
Yesterday, she'd been so agitated it seemed like she wanted to smash everything.
"Here she comes."
"Ah."
Sure enough, it was Cheon I-ryeong.
A neatly tied ponytail.
The black suit wrapping her body wasn't flashy, but it evoked an inexplicable sense of trust.
A confident stride despite the pouring gazes.
Cheon I-ryeong's expression was steadfast, without a hint of wavering.
No one knew how Jin Tae-san had persuaded her, but he'd finally seated the head of Korea's top guild in that position.
"Hello, I'm Cheon I-ryeong."
Applause burst out at her light bow and greeting.
Cheers erupted at the inauguration of Korea's representative S-rank hunter.
"First, I express my gratitude to Minister Jin Tae-san for recommending me for this position, and to the Saintess."
"?"
Me? When did I...?
"It's a position with immense responsibility, so I'm feeling the pressure, but since I've taken it on, I'll do it properly, right?"
A small laugh rippled through at Cheon I-ryeong's feigned grumbling.
"The association is currently shaken by friction with guilds, endless scandals, and a lack of trust."
Silence fell at the pointed mention of the issues.
"But what does public opinion matter?"
Cheon I-ryeong pulled the mic closer amid the murmuring audience.
"The reason the association was established, the reason I became a hunter—it's all one thing. And it's the reason you're all here today."
Her low voice stirred the depths of their hearts.
"To protect people."
Time seemed to stop, gazes frozen without a twitch.
"To protect everyone from the gates that eye us even now, and to create peace."
The camera filming Cheon I-ryeong captured a wide shot of the staff gazing quietly at the podium's light from the darkness, then quickly closed in on her.
"So, as the new association president taking office, I declare from this position: The association will prioritize gate handling above all, and I promise to minimize civilian damage and inconvenience in the process."
Flames ignited in Cheon I-ryeong's eyes as she looked over the audience.
"On this occasion, I ask the hunters who risk their lives on the front lines against gates today. As a citizen before a hunter, as a friend to someone, as family to loved ones."
The camera swiftly pulled back from Cheon I-ryeong, capturing the crowd gazing at her once more in a wide shot.
"Step forward in this crisis we face. And if you do! I will always stand by your side. That will be the beginning of true harmony to usher in an era of peace."
She speaks well... No wonder she's the leader.
I briefly wondered what it would've been like if I'd taken that position as Jin Tae-san suggested.
'Uh... Do your best, everyone. Fighting!'
It probably would've ended something like that.
I wouldn't have been in my right mind facing all those gazes and cameras broadcasting nationwide.
With her final closing remarks, Cheon I-ryeong's inauguration ceremony ended, followed immediately by the press conference.
More like an interview than a conference.
Only one male reporter awkwardly tossed formal questions, receiving bland answers.
Then the reporter spoke again, drawing all eyes.
"Regarding the video released by Benji this morning, a truth debate is unfolding over what's manipulated. The association hasn't issued a clear stance yet. Could the president say a word?"
"Others will answer that, not me. Those who were there at the scene, not the video."
As soon as Cheon I-ryeong finished, a side door opened, and familiar faces poured in, taking positions behind the podium.
'Zeus?'
Six men with the Zeus guild's lightning insignia below the left shoulder and the federation affiliation mark side by side. Their clothes were torn and dirtied, as if they'd been in a fight.
And especially eye-catching was Shin Myeong-hu, whom I'd restored through treatment.
A strange emotion welled up seeing him stand firmly on both legs.
"Are members of Zeus Guild here as witnesses? I thought Zeus was federation-affiliated, so it's surprising for association witnesses. Is there a special reason you're testifying?"
"Hello, I'm Shin Myeong-hu of Zeus Guild. We're here today to fulfill our duty as people. And we hereby withdraw from the guild and federation that treat people like objects, effective immediately."
With those words, all Zeus guild members tore off their federation and Zeus marks with a rip, tossing them to the floor. The camera quickly captured it.
"Withdrawal? Something must've happened. Can you tell us?"
"Yes. After the incident, the federation silenced those present and even assigned people to monitor them. And today, they blocked us from leaving the guild, somehow knowing our plans."
"Ah, that's why your clothes..."
"But thanks to Heavenly Flame Guild's timely help, we escaped safely and stand here now."
The press room buzzed at Shin Myeong-hu's words.
By their account, it bordered on half-imprisonment.
Even if hunters stand above the law, this crossed a major line.
"Then, about the controversial video."
"Yes. As the parties directly there, we confirm the drone footage from yesterday was maliciously edited. The Daily Hunters' video is the unadulterated truth of that day."
"Thank you for the valuable testimony. Thanks to Zeus members' courage, the truth is revealed. What are your plans afterward? With most guilds still federation-affiliated, it'll be tough."
Cheon I-ryeong stepped forward again to answer the reporter.
"These individuals will now serve the people under the association. We'll handle any potential pressure at the association level."
A clear overture targeting federation guilds.
Afterward, as the content wrapped up and the press conference concluded, I returned to my office.
"But another video got uploaded?"
I'd been so pissed watching the internet and TV that I'd forcibly gone on a digital detox for a while and hadn't known.
The video Seol A-yoon searched and showed was a rough shot from a ground-level angle. Fortunately, my face was artfully obscured, showing only silver hair.
So this video existed too.
Without it, things might've been a bit headache-inducing.
Zeus probably stepped up more boldly because of this video. They needed a winning chance to choose their future.
How long had I been lounging on the sofa watching videos and comments when the elevator to my office opened, and Cheon I-ryeong suddenly rushed out?
"Roha! How was it? Did you watch? Sorry I couldn't contact you yesterday."
"No, it's fine. And you were amazing."
"Really? Phew—"
She knew I'd been in the tower, so no way she'd be upset. Plus, even after leaving the tower, she'd been busy all night with this, and fatigue she couldn't hide lingered on Cheon I-ryeong's face.
Heavenly Flame Guild had moved to extract Zeus, after all.
"Lie down here and rest a bit. Any other schedules?"
"Nope! Even if there were, there aren't."
When I pointed to the empty spot on the sofa for the weary-looking Cheon I-ryeong, she plopped down beside me and leaned right into me.
Hey, there's plenty of space next to you.
"Ugh, there's space right next to you."
"Ahh... My fatigue's melting away..."
Well, if she likes it, whatever.
But Seol A-yoon, watching the scene, twitched an eyebrow.
"Don't lean on Roha, Cheon I-ryeong... President."
"Oh? Giving orders to the association president? Secretary Seol?"
"...I'm not association staff; I'm Roha's personal secretary. Roha, say something."
"But Roha is officially association staff, right? Isn't she, Roha?"
Being called from both sides was dizzying.
Their bickering went on until Jin Tae-san entered with Lee Jae-hoon carrying a box.
Jin Tae-san wore an apologetic smile all over his face, while Lee Jae-hoon, clothes disheveled, clutched the box preciously.
Lee Jae-hoon, smiling broadly unlike himself, handed me the box.
"This is...?"
"Please open it, Roha."
At his words, I slightly lifted the lid, and something silver-white gleamed brilliantly under the light.