Chapter 68
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 68
Chapter Title: Became the Last of the Giant Clan
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Tsushima.
One of Japan's islands closest to Korea.
A massive disaster was about to strike this pristine land, where not a single gate had ever opened.
'A B-rank gate... One that leads to another world is about to open on Tsushima.'
Tsushima falls to the 'undead' that pour out from that B-rank gate.
Those wicked spirits, also known as zombies.
'That's why one of Japan's top guilds, 'Genjitsu,' heads out to subjugate them but suffers a惨 defeat.'
The gate that opened on Tsushima wasn't the only B-rank one.
'To be precise, another B-rank gate opens in the strait around Tsushima. A 'Leviathan' emerges from it, seizing control of the seas.'
Japan realizes this too late and suffers massive losses from the unexpected assault.
'They never imagined two B-rank gates would open in such close proximity.'
Because of this, Japan proposes a joint front with Korea and the US. Until the high-rankers from all three nations step up, those two B-rank gates on Tsushima will hold their infamous reign for a long time.
And now.
The legendary item Kang Hyuk desires lies dormant in one of those two gates.
'The B-rank gate on Tsushima... The treasure hidden inside it.'
That 'treasure' will later gain fame as one of the most powerful artifacts, protecting the user from all supernatural mental attacks.
'That's why I need to claim it. Nothing could be better against Xiao Ran's curses.'
Western dragons wield magic, but eastern dragons wield curses.
In that sense, Xiao Ran, with her dragon transformation talent, can unleash curses almost endlessly.
'Curses differ from magic in their trajectory—they're especially potent against the mind. No matter how strong someone is, they'll show vulnerabilities to mental attacks.'
The power of the giants can strike at all abilities, but it's not omnipotent against everything.
It's fundamentally a physical ability, so it naturally has gaps against mental assaults.
'If 'Yggdrasil's Cloak' fully awakens to myth grade, it might even block Xiao Ran's curses...'
But right now, with only the first quest cleared, it won't fully defend against her mental attacks.
So Kang Hyuk plans to cover this weakness with the treasure from the depths.
'...But that's not the only reason I'm after it. Japan's S-rank hunter.'
And one of the five national-level hunters who later invade Korea.
'Sword Saint Akashan... If I sit idle, he'll claim that item.'
He's in seclusion for training now, but soon he'll secretly seize control of Japan's politics, economy, and national identity.
'Using that power, he'll strip the legendary items from Japan's other national-level hunter, Dual Blades Hakata.'
In the end, Akashan will reign as one of the world's top hunters not just as Sword Saint, but as the 'King of Items'—nicknamed 'Item Boost.'
If Kang Hyuk plays this right, he stands to gain enormously.
'Dragon God Xiao Ran... I'll not only get a legendary item to block his mental attacks but also snag one of that damn Akashan's items.'
That's why he intends to join the Tsushima gate expedition no matter what.
'I can't pass up a chance to catch two rabbits at once.'
Of course, it won't be easy.
A B-rank gate.
Retrieving an item from beyond another world wouldn't be simple even for him, now nearing A-rank power.
'Plus, with the joint front against Japan... They'll keep us in check.'
He needs a solid plan and preparations for this event.
'...In that sense, Lee Hwan-seung is a huge blessing. The future Great Flame, one of the top flame mages.'
Kang Hyuk's lips curl up at the thought.
'If I use him well... This expedition will be a breeze. Both dungeons need massive 'flames' after all.'
Of course, Lee Hwan-seung hasn't fully matured yet, so he'll need support.
As Kang Hyuk ponders how to provide it, unexpected news arrives.
"...!"
The world's most famous mage.
The national-level hunter called the Grand Archmage.
Highenz.
"...Is that really true?"
Word comes that he wants to meet Kang Hyuk.
Countless offers had come before.
From top broadcasters, major chaebol families.
But Kang Hyuk had turned them all down.
'No gain in those meetings.'
Even he couldn't ignore the Grand Archmage's offer, though.
'The world's most famous—no, strongest—mage. That's why he's called Grand Archmage, leaving behind many legacies.'
One legacy: the barrier used when hunters take their awakening ability test.
The world's most famous spell was Highenz's creation.
'...And now he wants to meet me.'
Meeting him would bring benefits, no doubt.
'More than benefits... If handled right, I could leverage his many 'advantages.' Maybe even accelerate Lee Hwan-seung's growth with Highenz's help.'
Of course, despite the Grand Archmage title, his 'eccentric' nickname meant he wouldn't cooperate easily.
'But flip it around... His curiosity is piqued by me now.'
Kang Hyuk strokes his chin.
Lee Hyun-jin, standing before him to relay Highenz's message, trembles.
'Th-the real Kang Hyuk!'
She'd become his dedicated Nutuber, but this was their first face-to-face.
Her body won't obey, breath quickening.
Her idol, always captured from afar by camera, now right in front of her?
She thinks she'd die without regrets, eyes rolling, when—
"...A fine proposal, Ms. Lee Hyun-jin."
Her idol speaks.
"Highenz... To think such a figure wants to meet me."
Lee Hyun-jin nods frantically, dazed.
Then, an unexpected response bursts forth.
"But it's not the right time yet."
"Y-yes?"
"I'd love to meet Highenz... the famed Grand Archmage, but I have too much to do."
Her mouth drops open.
She snaps to and responds.
"Understood! Then next time..."
"So tell him if he accommodates a few conditions, I'll meet him."
"...?"
"If he provides some conveniences, I'm open to it... That gesture would be appreciated."
Her eyes widen.
She thinks:
'Pr-ovide conveniences for a meeting?'
The world's most famous mage.
She never expected him to haggle like this.
But considering the man before her, it makes sense.
'Kang Hyuk! Korea's pride, S-rank talent! Top promising hunter!'
Still, it's audacious.
Kang Hyuk is just a promising rookie with a bright future, while Highenz is the world's pinnacle.
That boldness speaks volumes.
'He's different, as expected. Wow...'
Lee Hyun-jin murmurs, eyes sparkling.
Kang Hyuk thinks:
'Highenz earned his eccentric rep from unpredictable actions and that cranky personality.'
He fixates on curiosities.
But drops them once satisfied.
'Begging would cool his interest. Give space, push and pull... He'll get antsy on his own.'
It might backfire, but no big deal.
'Help from the Grand Archmage is nice, but not essential.'
Rushing could attach unwanted labels.
So he counters the offer. Lee Hyun-jin, unaware of his intent, relays it exactly.
"Huh?"
Highenz mutters.
"I didn't mishear? He dares haggle for a meeting with me?"
"Yes. You heard right."
"Wow... Even Korea's president schedules to meet me, and this guy?"
"...Shall I decline for you, Mr. Highenz?"
Highenz's eyes sparkle.
"No! I must meet him! Now I'm even more curious! About that S-rank talent 'Hyuk'!"
His secretary nods.
She conveys acceptance of all terms to Lee Hyun-jin, and the news spreads to major world papers.
[Shock! Top Grand Archmage boards flight to Korea for promising star!]
[First outing in 3 years! The Korean hunter who moved him!]
[S-rank talent and Grand Archmage—what business?]
The world's eyes gather again amid the buzz.
"S-rank talent!! Kang Hyuk's meeting with Highenz is on!"
"Why would the top Grand Archmage come for a Korean rookie?"
"Obvious—he sees potential!"
Korea buzzes with talk of Kang Hyuk and Highenz everywhere.
Ignoring it, Kang Hyuk heads somewhere discreetly.
"You've arrived, Director?"
The seeds he'd sown.
Time to reap them.
"No results yet, but Phase 3 looks clear too. If so, we'll get MFDS approval and even FDA easily."
President Ha Nam-jin of <Adventure> pharma.
Kang Hyuk nods.
"Faster than expected."
"Haha. This speed risks instability, but your support was too good—it flew."
"Glad to hear. As the one who brought you to Seoul, I've worried, but now I'm relieved."
Ha Nam-jin smiles at Kang Hyuk's reply.
Then drops hidden news.
"I wanted to tell you in person... Hee-jin is going to the UK Player Academy. She lacked drive before, but this time she's eager. So off to the UK."
Kang Hyuk's eyes light up.
"A good... decision."
"The best, really. Denying a kid's wish would be odd, right?"
Kang Hyuk nods.
'Ha Hee-jin. One of the future's top alchemists.'
Her talent is extraordinary, needs nurturing.
'Not just for me, but for all saved by her drugs.'
Even he can't advise rashly on alchemy.
'I'd guide combat abilities, but non-combat like alchemy... Even I don't know everything.'
So he arranged a UK Player Academy invite fitting her skills. Thankfully, Ha Nam-jin and Hee-jin agreed.
Kang Hyuk smiles.
"Hee-jin's path worked out. But... post-FDA, straight to new drug development?"
"Likely. MFDS is one thing, but FDA opens global distribution. Our drugs everywhere."
Kang Hyuk nods.
'Things are falling into place.'
Ha Hee-jin's new drug.
Its value is immeasurable.
'Non-awakened civilians have no counter to monsters... Even science weapons hit physical limits. But.'
This drug offers faint hope against those limits.
'Temporarily surpasses physical bounds. Can't fight monsters, but can resist.'
It spreads worldwide later.
Especially revered like faith in developing nations without infrastructure.
'Few hunters due to low population. This drug gives hope against monsters.'
Ha Hee-jin becomes the world's richest.
But now.
Her company—the future richest woman's—is in his grasp.
'...The funds that made her richest flow to me.'
Money multiplies possibilities.
'Especially in hunter industry.'
He can't yet fathom the gains from Ha Hee-jin and this company.
'Treasure them. I know why Ha Nam-jin and Hee-jin cooperate.'
As he prepares to explain his visit—
Ring ring ring!
Sudden bell.
Kang Hyuk excuses himself and answers.
"Hello?"
A voice responds.
[Team Leader.]
Kang Hyuk's eyes widen.
[Got time today?]