Chapter 88
Chapter 88
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 88
Chapter Title: Declaration of Departure (2)
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East, west, ancient, modern—there are always questions that captivate people no matter the era.
One of them is this:
“Who’s the strongest in the world?”
It’s the ultimate question about the supreme being.
From the Cretaceous carnivorous dinosaur “Tyranno,”
To the ancient megalodon shark lurking in the ocean depths.
In modern times, “Bruce Lee” or “Choi Bae-dal.”
More recently, “Fedor Emelianenko” or “Francis Ngannou.”
These are the figures endlessly debated by enthusiasts, sparking heated arguments across online communities.
But.
Ever since the hunter profession emerged in this world,
That intriguing question no longer required debate.
The absolute existence known as the “System” had settled it once and for all.
「World Ranking Board」
A colossal, mysterious board located in the eastern United States.
Only 1,000 hunters could ever be listed here.
Thanks to this board, which updated automatically at the start of every month, the public could pinpoint the world’s top 10 strongest.
[Rank 1, ???]
First, Rank 1.
As you can see, Rank 1 is marked with question marks.
No one knows who it is—not even the board displays a name.
Why this happens,
Or whether the person even exists—
These remain hot topics to this day, but regardless, its symbolism is undeniable.
[Rank 2, Demon King Jack Smith]
Next is Rank 2, the Demon King.
An American hunter.
It’s thanks to him that America became the world’s number-one hunter powerhouse.
Details are scarce, but rumors say he commands demons and treats hell like his own backyard...
[Rank 3, Heavenly Demon Haseera]
Next is Rank 3.
Korea’s pride, renowned far and wide.
Excluding the enigmatic Rank 1 whose existence is unknown, she’s the world’s clear number two after the Demon King.
No nation disputes Korea’s status as the world’s second hunter superpower—and it’s all because of her.
She wields the blade.
[Rank 4, Oxford’s Sage Sophia Silverstone]
Britain’s premier university, Oxford, built a massive tower with massive national backing.
A place where hunters with magic-related unique abilities could gather, synergize, and grow together.
A real-life mage tower.
Its master is Rank 4, the one known as the Sage: Sophia.
[Rank 5, Dungeon Maker Delaila]
Alias: Mirage.
A mysterious American hunter.
Almost nothing is known about her.
Except that she can create dungeons.
‘Well.’
I’ll be meeting her soon enough, so I can judge for myself then.
Truth be told, she’s the one I’m most curious about.
How does she impose restrictions on individuals and summon system windows?
I recalled the message I’d received before.
[Ding!]
[You have learned information about the Dungeon Maker.]
[Warning! Warning! Warning!]
[If a non-ranker divulges this information, you will be barred from participating in the Dungeon Maker’s content in the future!]
[However, recommended candidates are exempt.]
[Note: If a recommended candidate divulges it, the penalty falls on the recommender!]
[Tip: Shout ‘recommendation registration’ to set a recommended candidate.]
The one pulling off this absurd stunt.
That’s Delaila.
The rest are as follows.
[Rank 6, Paladin Aria Uel]
A holy knight who heals while fighting.
They say no matter how much you hit her, she won’t die—earning her the nickname “Zombie.”
[Rank 7, Grace of Yggdrasil Nina Kristin]
A spirit user said to command the four great spirits.
Little is known about her either.
Not her nationality, not her age.
She’s simply on the board, so her name gets tossed around.
[Rank 8, Spirit Emperor Ichikawa Takeru]
A spirit manipulator who uses possession as his main skill.
Japan’s pride.
[Rank 9, Roider Ronnie Williams]
A druggie.
He occasionally sells potions for healing or buffs...
And they sell out instantly.
There are also rumors he peddles drugs that bring heavenly pleasure, but that’s unconfirmed.
[Rank 10, Spear King Chen Zi-yi]
Finally, China’s spear master.
In Chinese pronunciation, it’s “Chen Zi-yi,” but the Korean version rolls off the tongue easier.
‘All of them...’
Names I’d memorized perfectly, down to the last letter.
Ever since getting my hunter license as an adult, they’d been etched eternally in my heart—my idols.
“......”
Representatives of nations.
Someone’s dreams.
The ones who could claim to be the strongest in the world.
And.
Ultimately, my goals.
Gulp!
I swallowed hard as I stared at Jang Dae-woong before me.
- Want me to tell you an interesting story?
- Yeah, something your little bro doesn’t know... no, something ordinary folks wouldn’t know in a lifetime. A story about the rankers.
A tale of the rankers, as seen through the eyes of Rank 20.
My heart pounded just like when I was a kid, thrilled at the sight of dinosaurs.
* * *
“Listen, little bro.”
Jang Dae-woong cleared his throat.
“If I, Rank 20, fought Rank 19, who do you think would win?”
“Huh?”
What kind of sudden question was that?
Obviously, Rank 19 would have the higher odds, right?
That’s why they ranked it that way.
“No, no, bad question. Let me rephrase: If I challenged Rank 19 head-on, do you think I’d stand a chance at winning?”
“Hmm.”
That was a different matter.
Imagine if a single rank difference decided victory perfectly.
Wouldn’t the world be boring as hell?
After a moment’s thought, I sided with the Berserker.
“If luck’s on your side or depending on the day’s condition, you could win, right, Mr. Berserker? You never really know until you fight, do you?”
“Haha, that’s my little bro! Yeah, a real man gives that answer!”
Jang Dae-woong nodded in satisfaction.
I’d noticed it before, but this guy.
He’s weak to praise.
“But you’re wrong, little bro.”
“Huh?”
“I can’t beat Rank 19 one-on-one unless I team up or use tricks.”
“......?”
That was surprisingly honest.
The word “never” coming from this muscle-bound macho man.
“Starting from the two-digit ranks, the gaps are like heaven and earth.”
Jang Dae-woong grinned and called me again.
“Little bro.”
“Yeah?”
“In the past three years, has there ever been a rank change within the top 10?”
“......Hmm, no?”
From the moment I became a hunter, I’d checked the World Ranking Board religiously.
Even without me checking, it was a staple on sites and in articles.
Impossible not to know.
“Yeah, none. Unless the top rankers kill each other, the rankings won’t budge.”
“......So the power gaps between them are set in stone?”
“Exactly.”
Jang Dae-woong nodded and laughed at my question.
“Like how no matter what I do, I can’t beat Haseera. Haha.”
Heavenly Demon Haseera.
As her name came up, Lee Seon-ah chimed in from beside me.
“King, want to hear something fun?”
She flashed a mischievous smile.
“Hm, what?”
“A year ago, the Berserker stormed into guild HQ, demanding to see the Leader for a duel. Caused a huge ruckus.”
“Hey now, Black Sword. Me? Why bring that up now...”
The Berserker gawked at Lee Seon-ah.
Why?
No surprise there.
Just a madman doing mad things.
“And the Leader didn’t even draw her sword—just beat him with one finger...”
“Hahahaha, come on. Was I the same back then as I am now? Ahaha!”
Jang Dae-woong cut her off with booming laughter.
But it was too late.
Her words had hit me perfectly.
“Hmm.”
Lee Seon-ah gave a wry smile.
“Anyway, what I’m saying is...”
She looked at me.
“That’s the level of difference between top rankers.”
“Crazy.”
That monstrous Berserker.
Taken down with a single finger?
By a swordswoman, no less?
“The worry the Berserker has is probably the same one we all share.”
“Worry...?”
“The King we’ve judged has no fear. He’s brave, too.”
“......”
“Put nicely. Put harshly... sometimes he’s reckless.”
I admit it.
Ever since stumbling into that orc in the clearing.
I’d been chaining reckless challenges.
Meeting the old man, getting the Sun Spear, slaying the Giant Dragon.
Lately, even the lich’s trial.
Unavoidable situations, sure, but still.
I’d been walking a tightrope, teetering on the edge.
“But Rank 5, Delaila, is on a whole different level. That’s why we’re telling you to brace yourself.”
“......”
Gulp.
I swallowed again.
If even these rankers called her a different “level,”
Was this what “heavens beyond heaven” meant?
My chest swelled with grandeur.
“Crude terms: don’t act cocky.”
“Oho, good thing.”
“What?”
“Our King’s got sharp comprehension.”
“Huh?”
“But I rate you very highly, King. Remember?”
“What...?”
“I said your potential... might even surpass the Leader’s.”
Ah.
Right, she did.
It suddenly hit me how massive that praise was.
“Here, take this.”
Lee Seon-ah pulled something from her bosom and handed it over.
“......An invitation from Delaila. Three days from now, location’s the mysterious island of ‘Mora’ in Gujarat, India.”
“Mora......”
“Flight and transport are handled by Hundred Million.”
“Yeah, I’ve got a private jet ready for your comfy trip.”
Hundred Million pressed his index and middle fingers to his temple, then flicked them skyward lightly.
What’s that? New greeting?
“......I see.”
Finally.
The moment with the “Dungeon Maker” I’d awaited was upon me.
It finally felt real.
My blood boiled, palms grew slick.
‘Those guys...’
I don’t fully know why they’re helping me.
Hundred Million said he’d collect payment later.
Divine Archer seems to just be using her recommendation slot.
The others feel like genuine goodwill.
‘Thanks.’
I was truly grateful.
I wanted to show it.
‘To do that.’
I need to survive and return first.
Endure the trial, climb the rankings.
Reach their “level” to express proper thanks.
“......”
I clenched my fist and looked at them.
Jang Dae-woong, Lee Seon-ah, Yoo Sang-don, Gi So-yul.
Four pairs of eyes fixed on me.
“I......”
My lips parted.
“Will make it happen, no matter what.”
The rankers’ gazes intensified.
I met their eyes without flinching.
“I promise you all. Black Sword said priority one is surviving? That’s a given. Becoming a ranker? That’s obvious for me, too.”
“......”
“You might think I’m complacent. Arrogant, even. But my goal isn’t just becoming a ranker.”
Truth be told, becoming a ranker was my dream.
Making the top 1,000.
I’d lived for that once.
But.
Now that dream was right before me.
Within arm’s reach.
‘Then.’
Why not dream bigger?
“I want to become Rank 1.”
I’ll grow stronger.
Stronger than these four rankers here, at least.
“As much as you believe in me, I’ll grow even stronger. Become someone greater. Make today’s recommendation something you can brag about.”
This was for them.
But also for me.
My declaration of departure, shouted inwardly before the trial!
My utmost expression of thanks.
“My proper thanks... I’ll give when I return alive.”
I bowed lightly to the four rankers.