Chapter 16
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 16
Chapter Title: I Became the Last Giant Clan
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Yoon Han left, leaving Yoon Hee-na flustered.
She glanced around awkwardly before suddenly bowing her head and slipping out of the room.
Kang Hyuk couldn't help but chuckle at the familiar sight.
'Same behavior as always, past or present.'
To others, she was known as the Ice Princess.
But the Yoon Hee-na he knew wasn't cold at all.
She had a gentle, warm heart, like cosmos blooming in spring.
'She's just awkward around people. That's why she always wears that icy expression.'
Meetings and partings like this always left him with a pang of regret.
She was one of the few genuinely good people he'd met.
But he didn't hold her back.
It was because of her father, Yoon Han.
'Showing interest in her now would only poison her life. Her father, Yoon Han... he'd use even his own daughter if it suited his desires.'
Yoon Han's obsession was infamous, both in the future and now.
If he learned of Kang Hyuk's interest in Yoon Hee-na, he might try to exploit her.
The man had to possess whatever he wanted to feel satisfied.
'That's why I had to reject him earlier. If I hadn't bruised his pride, he would've pulled every string to recruit me.'
Better to draw a clear line.
Of course, it would strain their relationship and create inconveniences, but he wasn't too worried.
Yoon Han was Korea's most prominent hunter.
With all eyes on Kang Hyuk right now, he wouldn't act rashly.
'So what I need to do now is decide on a guild to join.'
With that thought, he turned his gaze.
Piles of documents lay before him.
From the Chinese Association to Metal Guild.
Proposals from the world's top guilds.
The contract terms alone were worth hundreds of billions.
Adding bonuses, they reached trillions of won.
In an era where hunters were prized, these offers defied common sense.
Yet Kang Hyuk swept them aside without hesitation.
He'd experienced this before.
He knew the terms were just empty promises.
'I got offers like these in the future too.'
Hunter contracts lacked real legal weight.
Even deals worth trillions could change on a whim.
It sounded absurd, but for superhuman hunters, it was possible.
'If you fall short of expectations, they'll discard you, conditions or not. Just like Yoon Han dropped me.'
Of course, he was confident he could exceed expectations now.
But rejecting China and Metal—and other major powers—had another reason.
His goal in this life: people he must kill.
They were all tied to these guilds or nations.
'Million Summoner, one of them, is already rising in Metal Guild. She watched me for a long time back then—which means she might be watching now.'
That's why he rejected foreign offers outright.
His growth was remarkable, but facing those five national-level hunters was premature.
'Revenge must be certain. They're not easy foes. I'll kill them in one decisive moment when I'm sure.'
He then looked at domestic proposals.
They had impressive terms, but like the foreign ones, they didn't appeal.
Compensation was competitive, but artifacts and soulstones were limited.
No real gain in tying himself to one group.
'They're called Korea's Big Five guilds, but they can't compare to global giants. And their goals don't align with mine.'
Guilds existed for profit—money.
They'd do anything lucrative, issuing orders to an S-rank like him.
But he didn't want money.
Conflicts were inevitable without shared interests.
'Better to go solo... but that's no great option either. Breaking through established powers alone is tough. So my remaining choice is...'
He lifted his head.
At the same time, heavy footsteps and a knock sounded.
"Mr. Kang Hyuk. May I come in?"
Kang Hyuk's eyes gleamed as he replied.
"Yes, come in."
The door opened.
A woman in a neat suit entered.
But Kang Hyuk looked past her to the giant man behind.
"Pleased to meet you. I'm Kang Cheol-woo, Hunter Association President."
Demonic Power God.
Korea's sixth-ranked S-rank hunter.
And his benefactor.
Kang Hyuk clenched his fist unconsciously.
'It's been a while, Master.'
Korea's Hunter Association President.
The S-rank hunter called Demonic Power God, Kang Cheol-woo, gazed at Korea's first S-rank with subtle admiration.
'So this is an S-rank.'
The natural aura he exuded.
Fitting for an S-rank—it would intimidate most hunters.
Yet this newly awakened hunter showed no reaction.
He met his gaze steadily, expression neutral.
'Even unconsciously released pressure, and no response... truly worthy of the rumors.'
Ambition stirred.
Securing this S-rank would mean big things.
'Elevating Korea's status... perhaps even birthing a new national-level hunter.'
Of the world's 36 S-ranks, all eventually became S-rank hunters or national-level ones, despite varying growth rates.
'That would boost our national prestige and secure our safety.'
But protecting Kang Hyuk seemed unlikely.
The reason was simple.
The world's hegemons were all watching him.
'That's why I'm here. To convince him to stay in Korea.'
Ending his thoughts, Kang Cheol-woo spoke.
"Sorry for keeping you tied down. The matter's too important... I came unannounced. As you know, an S-rank's emergence shakes the nation."
He pulled out some documents and handed them to Kang Hyuk.
"Choose any guild you like, Kang Hyuk. But..."
Kang Hyuk examined them closely.
"If possible, I'd wish you'd stay in Korea."
"Stay in Korea, you mean?"
"Yes. Your value is greater than you think. The 36th S-rank born. Considering the 20 national-level hunters who are all S-ranks... you could be the 21st."
Kang Hyuk set the documents down.
"That's why I want you in Korea. Your presence alone could elevate us."
He turned his gaze and asked.
"Is this because I rejected Metal and the Chinese Association?"
"No. Even without them, foreign powers are eyeing you. I wouldn't shamelessly ask you to stay otherwise."
Kang Cheol-woo quickly added.
"Korea may not match China or Metal, but with Arena leading, we have skilled masters and guilds. I'll ensure they offer S-rank worthy terms. So..."
Kang Hyuk fell silent.
"Why not hunt here instead of abroad? Environment matters, Kang Hyuk. Leaving too soon might wither your talent before it blooms. This is advice from a senior, not just the president."
Seeing his subtle reaction, Kang Cheol-woo looked at him pleadingly.
His secretary beside him widened her eyes in surprise.
She'd never seen the man make that face.
'He must want this badly... but.'
The mood suggested the S-rank had no intention of staying.
'Makes sense. Even with top domestic support, it can't rival hunter superpowers.'
Both secretary and president foresaw pessimism.
"I've already rejected Arena's offer."
The bombshell dropped without warning.
"I'll reject all other foreign guilds except Metal and China too."
Kang Cheol-woo stammered in shock.
"...What?"
"In short, I'm rejecting every guild that approached me."
His massive frame trembled as he asked.
"Th-that means no guilds at all?"
Kang Hyuk smiled.
"No, I will join one. That's why I'm curious."
He bowed his head slightly.
"What terms does the Hunter Association offer?"
Kang Cheol-woo's jaw dropped.
"What conditions will you present for a place with me?"