Chapter 26
Chapter 26
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 26
Chapter Title: Ryu Han Empire (7)
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"For now, it might be best to keep your identity hidden while engaging in exchanges with the surrounding nations. And here's today's article..."
Arbon carefully handed over the tablet.
"...Lucas Howard?"
"Yes. He's come out strongly condemning you, Master."
Arbon narrowed his eyes, his voice icy cold.
"He's claiming your abilities don't measure up to National Power-level standards, and if you want to prove them, you should come to America and face him directly."
"Ignore it."
"But..."
"Let him spout whatever nonsense he wants about scams or whatever. After all, I've subjugated a Spirit Race Grand General—do you really think anyone believes otherwise?"
"Among the Grand Generals, there are even S1-rank level beings. Of course, Woo Sung-hyun, the S1-rank Hunter who stopped the Spirit Race's Incheon landing, has vouched for your National Power-level prowess. But Lucas Howard shot back with, 'A monkey only sees monkeys...'"
Kang-hyuk let out a snort of laughter.
"Don't worry about it. Leaving the Korean Peninsula over something this stupid would be insane."
"...Understood."
Arbon wiped the dissatisfied look from his face and quickly composed himself.
"If he keeps spewing this crap, just tell him to come here himself. Say you'll take him on anytime he sets foot on the Peninsula."
"Yes, sir."
When the GH Guild refrained from commenting on Lucas Howard, Lucas barked out a hollow laugh and shouted with overconfident bravado.
"See that! They're speechless now that the scam's exposed! Korea must be such a shitshow if they treat trash like him as National Power-level! Whether it's those Japanese bastards or Korean frauds, they're all the same!"
Finally, pushed by his endless ravings, the GH Guild issued a statement.
"Our Guild Master doesn't even deem Hunter Lucas Howard's remarks worth a response. Moreover, South Korea is in the midst of preparations to reclaim Jeju Island. Our Guild Master says it's foolish to let national security suffer a lapse over such drivel from Hunter Lucas Howard. In this time when all must unite against the Otherworld Races, the GH Guild cannot comprehend Hunter Lucas Howard's idiotic provocation of our Master. If he's so curious about South Korea's National Power-level Hunter, he should come here himself."
The journalists jumped in surprise at the GH Guild's statement, frantically snapping photos.
"Our Master welcomes Hunter Lucas Howard at any time."
South Korea cheered at Park Kang-hyuk's confidence, though some voices of concern arose.
People harbored massive doubts about the outcome of Lucas Howard vs. Park Kang-hyuk.
With 100% certainty, Lucas would win.
He had ascended to a realm one step higher than Park Kang-hyuk.
Even if he'd taken down a Spirit Race Grand General, Park Kang-hyuk couldn't match Lucas.
That was the consensus.
Lucas reacted to the GH Guild's statement with seething rage.
"How dare that monkey...! I'll head to Korea right now...!"
The moment Lucas shot to his feet...
A guild member rushed in urgently.
Clunk!
"Master! The demon bastards right now...!"
"Fuck!"
America was under attack from demons, Beastmen, and Elves.
Having lost 30% of its territory to the Otherworld Races, America would have seen its economy crumble without trade from the cooperative dimensions.
At least America's economy, unlike other nations, was growing bit by bit.
"South Korea's economy should start recovering a little this year too, right?"
"Yes. Thanks to the northern resources, we're projecting growth for the next few years."
The Jeju Island reclamation operation would begin soon.
Ryu Han Empire forces would join it too.
Maybe I should head to Aronion and bolster our forces while I'm at it.
And so, December passed, ushering in a new year.
Ten million Empire citizens now resided in Pyongyang.
Kaesong housed two million, Nampo three million, and industrial complexes sprouted elsewhere, birthing small cities.
Sinuiju, developed as a border city, saw soldiers stationed there as commerce slowly bloomed.
South Korea had bought up all used electronics and cars, equipping every Homunculus with basics. Roads teemed with vehicles.
"With tourism facilities and commercial spots popping up at attractions, South Koreans are eager to visit as tourists."
South Koreans needed no visa for Ryu Han Empire trips—just a passport for 180 days visa-free.
Empire prices were about half of South Korea's.
Thus, Koreans eyed Empire vacations.
Cheaper and more fun than domestic spots.
Returning home after ages, Kang-hyuk heard about the Ryu Han Empire from his sister Yu-na.
"Let's go to the Ryu Han Empire this summer!"
"What about the store? Mom and Dad are fine, so you two go."
"A family trip without Mom and Dad? Then let's go during a holiday. Visit Grandpa and Grandma for New Year's..."
"New Year's might be tough for me. Busy with the Jeju op..."
"...What about Chuseok?"
"Chuseok works."
"Mom and Dad get Chuseok off too."
"Well, yeah..."
"No plane needed—just drive across the border. Reviews from folks who've gone are great. Cheap prices, Western-style palaces, killer security."
At Yu-na's pitch, father Jin-o and mother Su-yeon warmed to the idea.
Yu-na pulled up SNS pics of Empire tourist spots on her phone.
A quaint medieval European town by the river.
Modern systems inside, of course.
"Hotels keep that medieval vibe."
"Pyongyang area's getting an amusement park this fall. Kayaking by the waterfall lake too. And..."
Yu-na's spiel went on.
Kang-hyuk learned of tourist spots he hadn't known in detail.
He'd just ordered tourism development with a rough budget.
Didn't expect such quality.
"Not bad."
"Right? They even preserved old North Korean regime buildings. Underground bunkers turned into exhibits."
"Ah..."
Biggest draw: driving abroad.
Koreans once needed ships or planes for overseas.
Now, Ryu Han Empire shared a border.
"Someday, maybe through China to other countries? Trains to Europe or Southeast Asia...!"
Jin-o and Su-yeon gave wry smiles at Yu-na's hopeful dream.
World overrun by Otherworld Races.
Long trips? Tricky.
"Yeah, Chuseok trip sounds good. No visa hassle. What do you think?"
"Of course."
"Kang-hyuk?"
"Should be fine then... no guarantees. I'll clear it if I can."
"Good."
Su-yeon turned to eye Kang-hyuk.
"Jeju raid starts February, right?"
"Yes, so New Year's..."
"We'll handle Grandpa's."
Can't give enemies time.
Government rushed the schedule.
"Don't push too hard."
"Got it. I'm South Korea's strongest Hunter, remember? You saw on TV—me wiping out that fleet solo."
"We did. That's why we're worried. You'll be thrown into the hottest spots."
Fair point.
He'd face Great Warrior-level foes or worse.
"As long as Aronion's ruler stays put, it'll be fine."
"Sigh..."
Sending a child to possible death...
Parents fret.
Kang-hyuk reassured them, then hit his room.
Stay home a few days.
Work at GH Guild Branch 2.
After a day home, he headed to the parking lot.
"Take care today."
"Yes, Master."
Clunk.
Guild member opened the door.
Kang-hyuk rode the black sedan to GH Guild Branch 2.
Meanwhile, managing Ryu Han Empire and GH Guild...
Britain's National Power-level Hunter Alice—golden hair, red eyes—pored over Empire intel in her office.
"Emperor's name undisclosed..."
His feats impressed.
"GH Guild bridged South Korea and Ryu Han Empire? That Korean who beat a Spirit Race Grand General... Park Kang-hyuk?"
Alice scanned his profile, watched Incheon war footage.
"...?!"
Black slashes flew from the coast toward the sea.
"...Demonic energy."
Skill users wielded it aplenty.
But this power? Rare.
Mid Grand Master entry-level, at least...
"...?!"
Next frames jolted her.
"S...straight to the pinnacle realm?"
Alice furrowed her brow.
"Baiting complacency with low-power strikes...?"
Staring at the black slashes, past memories surfaced.
Past life memories, precisely.
She was a Homunculus created by a man.
They wed, had children.
Awakened as a Dragon Demon, she hit High Grand Master, spent near 10,000 years with family.