Chapter 53
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 53
Chapter Title: I Became the Last Giant Clan
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“If things had gone as Mr. Kang Hyuk said... we might have prevented this tragedy. But if you knew about it... you should have foreseen the future, Mr. Kang Hyuk.”
Kang Hyuk closed his mouth.
“Saving his life once was enough. How can someone keep extending favors indefinitely? So all the blame for this... lies with my son for his excessive greed. And as for me... I have no desire to repeat the same mistake.”
Ha Nam-jin then asked with a puzzled expression.
“...What do you mean?”
“No matter how this new drug's existence spread, I've realized it's more than I can handle. As proof, the Thanos Guild... and that loafer Lee Han-ul blackmailed me.”
Ha Nam-jin wore a sorrowful expression.
“This time, thanks to you, Mr. Kang Hyuk, I got through it unscathed, but there's no guarantee it won't happen again. So, if you're willing, Mr. Kang Hyuk, I'd like to hand over the company. I don't want to go through this kind of sorrow anymore.”
Kang Hyuk finally spoke up.
“...If you wish, I could arrange for the association to provide protection for a certain period.”
“No. As I mentioned earlier... this drug will cause far greater ripples than you imagine, Mr. Kang Hyuk. The whole world might even come negotiating with our company for exclusive rights.”
He then fell silent again.
It was true.
...If it's the Ha Hee-jin I know, the impact will be immense.
The value of a drug that enhanced the physical abilities of ordinary people was beyond words.
At that moment, Ha Nam-jin spoke up again.
“In that scenario, my family would constantly be under threat. That's... not what I want. So I want to sell the company. And...”
Ha Nam-jin smiled warmly.
“It's also for my son's dream.”
“...Pardon?”
“Our son, Seok-jin, always wanted to be someone who helped the world. That's why he didn't join an existing guild and tried to start his own.”
“...”
“But now that he's passed away before achieving that dream, I believe you're the one who can fulfill it in his place, Mr. Kang Hyuk.”
Embarrassed by the heartfelt words, Kang Hyuk's gaze darted around.
Seeing this, Ha Nam-jin withdrew his smile and said,
“Please use this drug for the world's benefit.”
He then grabbed his hand.
“Fulfill the dream my son couldn't achieve... in his stead.”
Kang Hyuk's lips trembled.
“...”
At the same time, Ha Nam-jin smiled warmly again.
After wrapping up matters in Jinju, Kang Hyuk immediately began the process of acquiring Ha Nam-jin's company.
To think things would unfold like this.
A casual act of kindness.
No, less a favor and more an obligation, which had returned as tremendous fortune.
Thus, he wasn't overly thrilled or excited.
...In a way, I might be a sleazy opportunist who took advantage of Ha Nam-jin at his weakest and most grief-stricken moment. So, rather than for my gain, I'll use this as he wished—for Ha Seok-jin's dream.
After completing all procedures and acquiring the company, Kang Hyuk pondered.
An unexpected issue remained.
I still haven't caught the assassin sent by Dragon Emperor Xiao Ran... I can't leave Ha Nam-jin in Jinju.
They might not target Ha Nam-jin, but Kang Hyuk decided not to rule out even that slim possibility.
I've learned a lot from this. Knowing the future doesn't guarantee the best outcomes. I must control that information more meticulously and perfectly to achieve the optimal results.
Thus, he persuaded Ha Nam-jin to move to Seoul.
At least until the mysterious culprit was caught, under the association's—and his own—protection.
Fortunately, Ha Nam-jin agreed on this point, naturally leading to a meeting with Ha Hee-jin, hailed as one of the world's top alchemists.
“Ah, hello!”
Still a high school girl, she bowed awkwardly upon seeing him, flustered.
Stroking his chin at her youthful demeanor, Kang Hyuk thought,
The Ha Hee-jin I knew was a money-obsessed woman, but at this time, she's different. Or... maybe her personality changed after her brother's death and the Thanos Guild connection.
After some deliberation, he discussed Ha Nam-jin and Ha Hee-jin's future.
“Mr. Ha Nam-jin, please consider what I'm about to say as mere advice.”
“...Advice?”
“Yes. Your daughter, Ha Hee-jin, has extraordinary talent.”
Ha Nam-jin raised an eyebrow slightly.
...
He had long known his daughter's exceptional ability as an 'alchemist' who created new drugs.
But hearing it from this man—the world's most renowned figure with the rarest 'S-rank talent'—felt strangely off-putting.
“So for Ha Hee-jin to grow properly... and live a normal life, certain measures are needed.”
“...Measures? Then... are you trying to bring my daughter into the association...?”
Kang Hyuk let out a chuckle.
“Why would a promising talent join the association? She should go to a good guild and get top treatment.”
Flustered by the laugh, Ha Nam-jin thought,
Not with the association...?
Meanwhile, Kang Hyuk handed him something.
It was elegant stationery. Ha Nam-jin carefully opened it and widened his eyes in shock.
“Br-British Player Academy? A scholarship invitation to... this place?”
The sender was none other than the 'British Player Academy'—currently the hottest school worldwide, gathering top talents.
Once admitted, success is guaranteed. It's called the premier hunter academy, and all recent standout talents are alumni.
Thus, entry was harder than picking stars from the sky.
No, nearly impossible.
Beyond rigorous screening, it required national-level recommendations, making the process notoriously stringent.
A scholarship recommendation from that academy... for our Hee-jin?
Ha Nam-jin looked up in astonishment, and Kang Hyuk explained earnestly.
“I'm not saying she must go. The most important thing is Ha Hee-jin and your opinions, Mr. Ha Nam-jin. She could nurture her alchemist talent and start a hunter's life, or abandon that path to become an ordinary civilian.”
Not all awakened players became hunters hunting monsters.
A tiny fraction chose to register their abilities and live as civilians in regular companies.
“Not everyone suits a hunter's life. So think of this letter as just one option.”
Ha Nam-jin's eyes welled up.
“...Thank you, Mr. Kang Hyuk.”
“It's the least I can do. However...”
His eyes widened in surprise.
“I'd appreciate it if you stayed on as company president for the time being, Mr. Ha Nam-jin.”
“Y-Yes? But my shares...”
“Right. I acquired the shares, but... regrettably, I can't take the president role right now. A hunter under the association can't shoulder both association duties and company presidency.”
He bowed his head again.
“So... as payment for this invitation, please act as president for me temporarily. Appropriate compensation will be provided, of course.”
Wiping tears, he nodded.
Kang Hyuk smiled inwardly at the sight.
I've gained so much from this.
Ha Hee-jin and Ha Nam-jin.
For an unexpected connection, they were remarkably good people.
Items... soulstones. Those I can obtain through effort. But bonds with good people... can't be forced by effort alone.
In that sense, this bond was his greatest recent gain.
If Ha Hee-jin grows properly... she'll be a huge help to me now.
Of course, her drugs didn't just enhance civilians.
They can awaken hunters' physical abilities too. Her value is immeasurable.
Yet his future self hadn't used Ha Hee-jin's drugs.
No, he avoided all alchemist buffs.
Due to a peculiar pride—he wanted to grow strong on his own power.
But in this life, Kang Hyuk had no such intentions.
Her drugs will be perfect help for upcoming events. Moreover... to get revenge on those five who control the world, I need to change.
He was growing at an incredible pace, but revenge still felt distant.
Not just those five—he had to face more.
They're world rulers even now.
The backers behind those five.
Revenge might require confronting those backgrounds too.
After all, they were promising stars and renowned hunters.
Thus, Kang Hyuk always thought,
To get revenge on them... I can't afford pointless pride. I must grow faster, stand on equal footing.
In that regard, Ha Hee-jin's drugs were an ideal first step.
Taking them will provide a crucial variable in dangers. Perhaps... even shift the tide against them directly.
Raising the corner of his mouth, he recalled the remaining issue.
Dragon God Xiao Ran. Catching the assassin he sent.
After Ha Seok-jin's funeral, investigating the murder scene yielded little.
But he could infer the circumstances.
Ha Seok-jin was a D-rank hunter, far above average players. Considering the dead guild members... at least a C-rank assassin.
His knowledge of the future.
Untold secrets of Dragon Emperor Xiao Ran lingered in his mind.
Among Xiao Ran's assassins, few surpass Shadow of Swiftness Abdullah. The clean traces mean high skill. Considering that...
Kang Hyuk's lips curved slightly.
...It could be one of his boasted Three Generals. That dog captain.
He tapped his fingers.
Xiao Ran's word is law—even death-defying madman. Currently a B-rank hunter with B-rank talent, a shadowy figure known to a few.
Of course, it might be wrong, so he didn't jump to conclusions.
I'll investigate more before deciding. Since I'm targeting the throne, clashing with his assassin is inevitable anyway.
Then, as his vacation ended and he returned to the association,
“What?”
Something utterly unexpected unfolded before him.
Having successfully cleared the Jeju Island D-rank Red Gate and ended his subsequent vacation, Kang Hyuk returned to the association as usual.
“...”
Numerous gazes upon him.
Entering the building, from the entrance guards to everyone nearby, all stared openly.
Wow...
That's him, Jeju Island's hero Kang Hyuk?
His feats were so insane, rumors say they issued false reports on purpose.
Those seeing him for the first time admired him.
...He has a halo around him.
Ugh... To think I was in the same expedition with him!
...My daughter wants his autograph. Ha, how do you even approach someone like that?
Expedition members regarded him with awe.
Receiving these mixed gazes as he headed up,
“Oh, Team Leader?”
He ran into Kang Na-eun, who was arriving.
“Hello, Ms. Kang Na-eun.”
“Hello. You're in early.”
“Rested so much I started wanting to come to work.”
Kang Na-eun shook her head.
“You know that's a sickness, right? In this world... you're probably the only one eager to return after vacation.”
Kang Hyuk chuckled at the joke.
Gazing at her subtly changed bob haircut, he asked,
“You cut your hair. Dyed it too?”
Her shoulders twitched.
“Eh, really? That noticeable?”
“Not really noticeable, but it suits you much better.”
Narrowing her eyes, she glared playfully.
“...Team Leader, you have a hidden playboy side.”
“Where?”
“That line! That line!”
“...Isn't the one falling for such a line the weird one?”
“I didn't fall for it! Still... that tone has so much misunderstanding potential!”
As they bantered heading to the office,
“...”
Lee Ye-sol, stepping out of the stopped elevator and watching, muttered,
“Team Leader likes bobs, huh.”
Glancing at her own waist-length hair, she pondered.
“...Should I cut it?”
Entering Team 1's office quietly, Kang Hyuk turned from greeting other members.
“Ms. Lee Ye-sol, you're here.”
“Yes, Team Leader.”
“You cut your hair too, Ms. Lee Ye-sol. It suits you.”
Her eyes widened.
“Th-Thank you!”
As he nodded, a familiar voice came from beyond the door.
“Team Leader Kang. Are you in?”
It was Secretary General Lee Ye-rin.
“Yes, I am. Secretary General.”
“...If you have time, the president requests you in his office.”
Kang Hyuk's eyes gleamed.
He needed to discuss matters with Association President Kang Cheol-woo anyway.
The Jeju Gate incident, and the meeting with President Choi Jong-hoon.
He headed to the president's office and knocked.
“It's 1st Team Leader.”
“Come in, Team Leader Kang.”
He entered upon permission.
But there was a guest already.
“Long time no see, Team Leader Kang.”
“...Headquarters Chief Lee Hyun-wook?”
Lee Hyun-wook, bandaged on his right arm and left leg.
“...Are you feeling better?”
“As you see, not fully healed. Price of overexerting my mana.”
As Kang Hyuk offered concern, Ha Hee-jin came to mind.
Her drugs... rival even the Vatican Saintess's blessings.
Though current Ha Hee-jin wasn't there yet, still better than most meds.
Might brew her a dose for Headquarters Chief Lee Hyun-wook later. He's one of my sturdiest allies now.
Sitting down, Association President Kang Cheol-woo spoke.
“So much I want to hear, Team Leader Kang. Couldn't ask during your vacation... about Jeju Island. That matter.”
Kang Hyuk nodded.
He'd anticipated this questioning.
Had prepared answers, and as he opened his mouth,
“So I won't ask.”
An unexpected remark from Kang Cheol-woo.
“...Pardon?”
“One question leads to another, then I'd suspect everything about you. That would ruin our current relationship.”
“...”
“That's why I won't pry. I'll investigate on my end, of course... but for now, waiting is right. When our bond deepens, you'll open up first.”
A warm smile of consideration.
Kang Hyuk fell silent, unable to respond.
“...Thank you, President.”
“No need. Compared to what you've done, this is trivial.”
He handed Kang Hyuk something.
“...This is?”
“Approval documents for an officially permitted 'independent division' from the administration. Actually, that's why I called you. Just sign, and from now on, your entire Team 1 detaches from Headquarters Chief Lee Hyun-wook's oversight—you'll command fully.”
Kang Hyuk's eyes widened.
“Wh-What do you mean...?”
“Simply put, you won't answer to me or Headquarters Chief Lee Hyun-wook anymore. Major matters need approval, but all Team 1 decisions are yours henceforth.”
His mouth gaped in shock.
Kang Cheol-woo's words shook the association's foundation.
The association is the association because of its unbreakable command structure. But...
If true, he'd be free from that structure, enabling independent operations.
...Even with Jeju contributions, things go this far?
Meanwhile, Lee Hyun-wook chimed in.
“A modest gift and responsibility for saving Jeju. In the expedition, I judged you suit issuing commands more than taking them—a commander's role.”
“...”
“But despite your rapid C-rank promotion, we can't give you headquarters chief without B-rank. So we decided to split a new division. To utilize your abilities fully.”
Kang Hyuk's lips moved.
“I wonder if I deserve such a position.”
“What's undeserving? If anything, we're sorry. Hero who felled the Red Gate and Warlord, stuck at C-rank due to damn records instead of B.”
He bowed in gratitude.
“Thank you. I'll do my utmost for this position.”
Kang Cheol-woo and Lee Hyun-wook exchanged glances.
Good atmosphere.
Not bad.
Looking at Kang Hyuk, their eyes gleamed.
“This much is the nation's gift.”
“...?”
“From now, this is ours.”
He stood.
Kang Hyuk questioned curiously.
“...What do you mean?”
Beckoning him,
“Come here.”
Kang Hyuk approached hesitantly.
That instant.
“...!”
Unable to hide his shock at the object before him, he muttered,
“Th-This is...!”