Chapter 23

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Translator: 8uhl

Chapter: 23

Chapter Title: I Became the Last Giant Clan

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These days, no matter where you were in the world, once the internet connected everyone, the number of people tuning into TV plummeted.

It just didn't make sense to consume content at a fixed time and place anymore.

In that environment, the wandering viewers who still watched TV flocked to NutTube, the world's largest video site.

A new kind of internet-born television screen, where you could enjoy whatever videos and content you wanted, anytime, anywhere.

This revolutionary streaming platform had drawn in all those former TV audiences.

And among NutTube's most popular content, Hunter-related videos naturally topped the list.

New humanity risking their lives to block gates.

The raw, vivid combat scenes that no graphics could replicate captivated every generation, making them the hottest content. Top NutTubers all covered Hunter topics.

And right now.

As the live footage of Kang Hyuk—the hottest rising Hunter in the world—aired, Lee Hyun-min's broadcast viewer count skyrocketed to 100,000 in an instant.

'Twice my subscribers... Is this for real?'

Catching wind of a gate breaking out nearby by pure chance, Lee Hyun-min had rushed over, never dreaming an S-Rank talent Hunter would show up.

He barely managed any commentary, just frantically filming Kang Hyuk's back and side profiles.

Even with those amateur angles, the live viewers were thrilled.

‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠

Because the Hunter on site was Kang Hyuk, bearer of S-Rank talent.

S-Rank talent, possessed by only 36 people worldwide.

Unlike personal Hunter ranks, which anyone could raise through achievements, talent ranks were judged solely on innate gift—and the bar was ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠insanely high.

Among them, S-Rank was called a "miracle from the gods."

The power they wielded was that astonishing.

And now.

The destructive force from the 36th S-Rank talent shook NutTube's trends to the core.

Overwhelming martial prowess befitting S-Rank talent.

A rookie Hunter dazzling in his debut, sealing the gate flawlessly.

It would've been weirder if NutTubers—always starving for fresh drama—hadn't pounced.

The result?

NutTubers worldwide swiftly uploaded compilations on Kang Hyuk.

The buzz spilled over into mass media and news.

Its ripple effect was so huge that Kang Hyuk's battle footage played live everywhere in the city.

"Puhahaha! ...! Truly, truly unpredictable."

Inside the Korean Hunter Association.

Sitting as president, the Demonic Power God Kang Cheol-woo let out a gravelly laugh, praising the man before him.

"You exceeded my expectations again, 1st Team Leader."

He propped his chin and confessed.

"I thought you'd face failure on this first mission."

"......"

"No, I believed you had to. Only then could you climb higher, avoid mistakes in greater trials ahead. But..."

Kang Hyuk's lips curved at the admission.

"Looking at your results, there's no flaw to call a mistake. A perfect debut."

"Thank you, Association President."

"What's there to thank? You handled it all with your own power... So, what do you want as a reward?"

"...?"

"A commendation. Ah! Not because you're S-Rank. Considering the mission difficulty and hostage rescues, it's well deserved."

Kang Hyuk's eyes widened at the unexpected offer.

He'd only hoped to earn the president's trust; a direct reward was beyond his wildest dreams.

'He's that satisfied with the outcome?'

Mulling it over, he nodded.

'Makes sense. President Kang Cheol-woo always rewards excellence generously and punishes failures harshly.'

His lips curved further.

'Then I can accept this without hesitation. In that case...'

It meant securing what he needed through this reward.

With that thought, Kang Hyuk cautiously spoke.

"May I ask what rewards are available?"

"Soul stones, bonuses, anything reasonable. Name what comes to mind."

Kang Hyuk pondered again.

First things that popped up: soul stones and cash.

'Money... I don't need it now. My salary's high; even a few hundred million bonus won't change much.'

That left soul stones.

But even those didn't seem that useful.

To boost his current efficiency, he'd need at least D-Rank monster soul stones, which cost tens of millions each.

'Decent immediate power-up, but not worth the investment cost. So...'

Excluding those, other rewards.

Thinking of artifacts, he spoke.

"May I enter the warehouse, Association President?"

"Warehouse?"

"Yes, the association's prized artifact treasury."

His eyes gleamed.

"Lv 2. Can I go in and pick a personal weapon?"

In his past life, Kang Hyuk hadn't relied much on artifacts.

To be precise, he hadn't needed to.

'The power of the giants. Mastering it was challenge enough. I didn't get a proper artifact until becoming A-Rank.'

But now, returned to the past.

Kang Hyuk thought differently.

Today's E-Rank gate in Gangnam.

The Steel Beak Goblin's Mask had proven its worth there.

'With the gates and incidents ahead, relying solely on my power won't cut it perfectly. But a useful artifact could slash the damage dramatically.'

Hunters' purpose wasn't just hunting gates and monsters.

It was protecting citizens and the nation from them.

In that light, pure martial might couldn't prepare for every scenario or variable.

'A good artifact can hugely impact my combat power and future outcomes depending on the situation. In that sense...'

Perfect item was slumbering in the association's Lv 2 warehouse.

One that fit his current situation ideally.

With that in mind, Kang Hyuk stood before the association building's most heavily guarded warehouse, waiting for his guide.

"Kang Hyuk... 1st Team Leader!"

A familiar voice called from afar.

Turning, he saw Lee Yeon-hee from Hunter Management Office.

"Ah... You're the one entering the warehouse today?"

"Yes. Reward for the last incident—permission to access."

Lee Yeon-hee beamed and nodded.

"You earned it. Saved all the hostages, cleared the monsters clean. Sure, the school's toast now, but no casualties? That's a win."

Kang Hyuk gave an awkward smile at her praise.

Teasing mischief sparked in her eyes.

"So, how's life lately? Haven't caught up properly since you became a Hunter... Do S-Rank talent Hunters live that lavish dream life everyone wants?"

"...Not lavish, just busy."

"Aw, playing humble again!"

"It's true, not humble."

Chatting idly, she led him to Lv 2 warehouse.

Suddenly snapping her fingers.

"Oh right. Decided on an artifact yet?"

"No. Planning to browse first."

"Can't do that! This artifact warehouse is the one thing our association beats most guilds at!"

Kang Hyuk recalled info on the association warehouse.

'Before Hunter privatization long ago, all Korean Hunters were association-affiliated. Nearly half of Korea's artifacts from 20 years are stored here.'

Lv 2 held only Rare items.

Considering Unique or Legendary weren't easily opened, this was the top-tier access the president granted.

'Practically loaded with useful stuff. Like Rare items mimicking Unique effects, such as the Ring of the Nameless God.'

That explained her enthusiasm.

"Personally, I'd go for a weapon! You fight with fists, so gauntlets? Gloves? Or armor's solid too!"

Even same grade, effects varied wildly in utility.

Your pick could mean walking out with Unique-level power.

'But I've decided. Only one thing I'm taking.'

She stopped at authentication.

Stepped aside after procedures.

"Hope you pick a good one, Kang Hyuk."

"Thanks, Senior."

He bowed; the massive iron door groaned open.

A grotesque fusion of science and magic cleared his path.

Kiiiiiieek...

He strode in without hesitation.

Shelves of treasures gleamed.

Kang Hyuk's gaze locked on gauntlets and bracelet with special effects.

'Pretty solid.'

For Rares, these effects were impressive.

'Items with special stats are rare. On weapons especially, they transcend grade limits in value.'

These were top-notch.

Market value nearing his current ring.

'...But coming here for something on par with my ring? Wasteful.'

He turned away without regret.

And.

'I need something definitively better than these. In that sense...'

Midway down the display case.

Gazing at a finely preserved leather sheet, his eyes sharpened.

'This is what I need right now.'