Chapter 20
Chapter 20
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 20
Chapter Title: The Forum Invitation
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"Order whatever you want. I'll have one pig bone stew!"
Seoul's mornings were peaceful as ever.
At least inside this luxury apartment with its stunning Han River view.
"Ah. Delicious."
I sat at the dining table in light clothes, polishing off my breakfast.
It was a winter morning, but my hands weren't cold at all.
Because the heating ran 24/7.
'No monthly rent or management fees—it's insane.'
The menu was a McDonald's morning set.
Chomp!
It took just one minute from shoving the hash brown and egg muffin into my mouth to chewing and swallowing.
'Fast food really is the best when you're in a rush.'
Of course, I didn't have anything particular to do.
Still, getting up early for breakfast was the key to making the most of your time.
Early birds catch one extra NewTube Short, right?
Bzzz!
That was when it happened.
A woman who had been furtively dusting one corner of the living room while stealing glances at me crept over.
It was Manager Park.
My dedicated manager assigned by the Hunter Association.
She showed up at the apartment every weekday morning during work hours.
Living like this with a pretty woman felt exciting at first—like cohabitation—but her current mindset wasn't quite so romantic.
She was suffering from having nothing to do.
With me having no work, she was in the same boat.
Even the cleaning was handled by professionals.
So all she could do was chat with me or grab the wheel now and then.
"Sang-hyuk-ssi. A call came in from the president."
"The president?"
I slurped down my cola and asked.
"Yes. He wants to see you briefly at headquarters. Is 9 a.m. okay...?"
The clock read 8:30.
At my speed, I could leave at 8:59, arrive with time to spare, and still squeeze in a coffee.
But society doesn't work that way.
When your boss—who pays you 500 million won a month—calls, the least you can do is pretend to be diligent. That's Salaryman 101.
You have to hop in the car at least fifteen minutes early and pull into the parking lot ahead of time.
"Let's head out now."
"Understood. I'll have the car ready."
Manager Park's face lit up.
It was the relieved smile of an office worker finally with something to do.
The black sedan glided smoothly into the underground parking lot of the association headquarters.
I'd grown used to riding in the car she drove.
Humans really are creatures of adaptation.
I used to sprint everywhere because every second counted, but now leaning back in the plush seat scrolling NewTube Shorts felt more efficient.
"We've arrived."
"Already?"
I'd lost track of time watching Shorts.
We took the private elevator to the top floor.
Hunter Association President Song Jin-woo had been gazing out over the city through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Spotting me, he broke into a gentle smile.
"Oh, Sang-hyuk! Come on in. Had breakfast?"
"Wolfed down a morning set."
"Ha ha. You're at that age where you're still growing—eat something better. Have a seat."
Was he mistaking me for someone about ten years younger?
He gestured to the premium leather sofa and instructed his secretary to bring tea.
The atmosphere was warm and cozy.
It felt just like a meeting with a kindly middle school homeroom teacher.
"I heard about what happened during the mobilization training. You did great."
"No big deal. The trainees were so enthusiastic it gave me a headache, though."
"The story I heard was fascinating. Four trainees took down an A-rank gate...?"
The president lifted his teacup, narrowing his eyes.
"Especially those White Tiger Guild apprentices—they put on an incredible show, from what I hear. That true?"
"Yes. They fought so well. Turns out cheerleading suits me."
I put on my best poker face without a shred of shame.
But a crafty old fox like the president wasn't buying it.
As if he already knew everything, he set down his teacup with a meaningful smile.
"An honorary hunter under the association with such a sense of responsibility and leadership. My eye for talent didn't fail me. Yielding the glory to boost those White Tiger kids... impressive."
It was praise heavy enough to be burdensome.
Just laying the groundwork for the main topic, no doubt.
"Which brings me to this. Sang-hyuk, have you made a passport yet?"
"Passport...?"
"There's an International Hunter Forum coming up soon in Washington, D.C."
NewTube had been buzzing about it lately.
They called it a forum, but from what I'd heard, it was basically the major powers gathering to flex: 'Our hunters are tougher.'
"It's not just any meeting. The main agenda is divvying up ownership of the Pacific S-rank maritime dungeon. The five dungeons alone are estimated at over 100 trillion won."
"S-rank dungeons are pretty dangerous, though... Does anyone from Korea even want in?"
"Every existing S-rank hunter has expressed interest in participating."
I sipped my tea and nodded.
Deep down, the thought of Yoo Na-yeon or Han Yoo-jung heading into something that risky made my heart skip a beat.
Half of me wished they wouldn't go, while the other half hoped they'd seize what they wanted.
"Couldn't you join us?"
"Me?"
The president's expression turned serious.
"To be frank, Korea's standing isn't what it used to be. Yoo Na-yeon and Sanctuary Guild are holding the line, but the U.S. and China have far more S-rank hunters. We're losing ground—that's the reality."
He leaned forward, locking eyes with me.
"That's why I'd like you to come along. As our hidden card."
"......"
I got the picture.
We had to prove Korea could handle an S-rank gate to have a seat at the distribution table.
This wasn't some childish ploy to parade me around for national pride.
"I distinctly remember saying I wouldn't enter any dungeons."
"Of course you wouldn't need to step foot in a gate! I just want you at the forum."
Wasn't that basically false advertising?
Still, it might make for a decent distraction.
Free overseas trip, good food on the house, and a generous allowance to boot.
"Hm. Problem is, my English anxiety is pretty bad..."
"You'll have an interpreter, naturally. If you want, we can assign a one-on-one tutor. Even a beautiful one."
Who knew I'd get him cracking jokes like that.
The forum must be a big deal.
Truth be told, I'd been interested in learning English for a while.
There was just one issue.
"Can I wear a mask there?"
"Hm...?"
"I don't like my face going public. If I can show up masked and say 'Blue Vest here,' I'll consider it."
Song Jin-woo stroked his chin, looking troubled.
Sending a masked mystery man as our national representative?
It was a diplomatic faux pas.
Even if I proved my Blue Vest credentials through sheer power, would that fly...?
"Ha ha... That's tricky. You know how important this is, right?"
"Eh, then forget it. Long flights hurt my back anyway."
I sank decisively into the sofa.
I appreciated the paycheck, but I wasn't about to be a yes-man. Otherwise, I'd have jumped to another guild.
Places offering a billion dollars weren't hard to find.
I wasn't the desperate one here.
"Ahem..."
Song Jin-woo tried to persuade me but eventually sighed in defeat.
"...Fine. Forcing you wouldn't work anyway—you're not the type to listen. There's still plenty of time, so think it over. From what I see, you've got a handsome face—no need to hide it. Ha ha."
"I'll think about it."
I flashed a smile and stood.
There were over three months until the forum.
I could mull it over slowly.
On the way back, I pulled out my smartphone and habitually opened the Hunter Gallery.
'Heh. Let's see how my shares are doing.'
The gallery was still abuzz with mobilization training chatter.
No matter how far I scrolled, it was all White Tiger and Yoo Na-yeon talk.
The Saintess chatter came next.
'Blue Vest mentions have died down.'
Of course—with how thoroughly I'd hidden my identity, that was to be expected.
The quiet life I'd wanted had come true faster than anticipated.
And yet.
'It's boring.'
The human heart is a fickle thing.
I'd die if some know-it-all tried to make a fuss, but now that no one even acknowledged my feats, my mouth was itching.
Truth was, I was the one who'd demolished that A-rank boss monster.
I started typing a comment on impulse but deleted it.
'Ugly, Lee Sang-hyuk. Jealous of your own fans?!'
I turned off my phone and stared out the window.
Spending a clear day like this on the gallery was giving me brain moss.
What cures a crappy mood?
Good food out somewhere.
"Manager Park."
"Yes, Sang-hyuk-ssi."
"Any lunch plans?"
"None. Straight home? Or...?"
Manager Park glanced at me in the rearview mirror, eyes full of expectation.
Last time I'd taken her to a fancy Japanese place, and now she was hoping for a repeat.
Probably expecting high-end omakase or a hotel buffet.
Sorry, but she'd have to hold out this time.
"There's this amazing spot near my old neighborhood. Lunch is on me today."
"Oh? Really? Thank you. I'm looking forward to it if it's your recommendation."
"Heh. You won't be disappointed. It's my soul food."
My soul food, of course, was gukbap.
Why chase a 2,000-won bowl of pig bone stew when you could splurge on luxury with a welfare card?
You wouldn't get it.
No matter how fancy the fine dining steak, it gets old if you eat it every day. Even crispy fried food turns greasy eventually.
But gukbap...
The soul's in that donburi.
Milky broth from pork bones simmered for 24 hours. Spices, chives, a spoonful of perilla powder, and a splash of kkakdugi brine.
"Kuh..."
Just thinking about it filled my mouth with saliva.
My stomach, battered by junk, desperately needed that holy water right now.
"To Bongcheon-dong Cursing Grandma Sundae Guk, please."
"......Ah. Got it."
Was it my imagination?
Her steering seemed to waver just a bit.