Chapter 18 - One More Spoonful
One More Spoonful
Translator : Elizabeth
Chapter 18: One More Spoonful
Psychokinesis is technically registered in the Association's database as a skill, but it is one with almost no actual users. Furthermore, Psychokinesis was only registered up to B-Rank in the database...
“Uh, there is Psychokinesis at S-Rank, but...” “Then how about using that? Psychokinesis is super good!” “…In what way is it good?”
Nothing is known about Psychokinesis other than the fact that once used, it can be maintained for a certain period without consuming additional resources.
“…Since Hunter Han Seo-jun told me the truth, I can tell you one thing too.” “Ah. Is it related to that?” “Yes.” “Then, I’m listening.”
Yu Eun-ha took a deep breath with a nervous expression, then spoke with a wistful look in her eyes.
“Actually, my parents were S-Rank Hunters.” “…?” “And S-Rank Hunters who aren't even left in the records.” “Don't tell me...?” “Yes. They were state-affiliated Hunters, but they operated in a form where they were dispatched if appropriate compensation was paid.”
Yu Eun-ha didn't know her parents' innate abilities, but she knew the names of the skills they mainly used. Her father’s main skill was S-Rank Psychokinesis, and her mother’s was an A~S Rank ‘Blood’ series equipment creation skill.
“That’s why you asked me for the A-Rank Blood Armor skill...” “Yes. Even if I don't know other skills, I was confident I could recognize that skill immediately.” “However, the fact that your father used S-Rank Psychokinesis means...” “Yes. It wasn't known. Because he was an agent belonging to the state.”
It implies that there are quite a few Hunters who, like Yu Eun-ha’s parents, belong to the state and live hiding their abilities.
‘Then my choice not to stomp on Jo Tae-hoon this time was correct.’
Originally, I avoided conflict with Jo Tae-hoon out of concern for the S-Rank Hunters waiting at the Association for emergencies...
“Hm? Then was your parents the reason you lied about your innate ability being A-Rank too?” “Yes. That’s right. Because I thought they would try to tempt me using traces or memories of my parents.” “Ah....”
I felt like I could finally understand why she didn't trust large organizations, including the state.
“Anyway, from what I heard from my father... even if only half of it is true, S-Rank Psychokinesis is an incredibly good skill.” “Could you explain in detail?” “Of course.”
Once used, it becomes possible to dominate a space within a 20m radius. He said one could lift up to 5 tons at once or apply pressure.
“Hmm... It is certainly a good skill, but...” “Furthermore, he said that if you want, you can compress that space, form it into a specific shape, and fire it.” “…Pardon? What did you say just now...?” “You heard correctly. It means you can create invisible weapons and fire them.”
I stared blankly at Yu Eun-ha, then, as if possessed, opened the skill rental window and rented S-Rank Psychokinesis for 1 hour. Upon using Psychokinesis, I understood that her words were not wrong at all.
“You probably won't know... up to the power level.” “Yes. Because Father didn't tell me that much. However... he said that even without shaping and firing it like that, he could clear an A-Rank Gate with just one use of the skill.”
If so, I guarantee that I can clear even an S-Rank Gate without issue with a single use. After all, I inadvertently used Psychokinesis at 100% output...
‘It wasn't a 20m radius, but 600m that came under my domination. Then the weight wouldn't be 5 tons, but 150 tons...’
Even if used at 10% output, it is three times more powerful than what her father used. Plus, one additional thing I learned is that Psychokinesis can be used multiple times simultaneously.
‘Since it can’t be fired outside the domination range, it returns upon reaching the range limit.’
With this, there's no problem using it at 10% output, and in emergencies, if I create 10 instances at 100% output and use them... Effectively, assuming I’m an S-Rank whose main focus is skills like me, I could beat most Hunters.
“It was... very good advice.” “…Did you learn something?” “Yes. Since you gave me good advice, I will tell you one more thing too.” “Eh? You were still hiding something?” “Yes.”
I only came to guess that Yu Eun-ha’s parents were likely discarded after being used; I didn't learn everything. Still, thanks to her advice, I gained a trump card I can use in the future, so I intend to tell her.
“Actually. My mana isn't in the 1,200 range.” “…Then?” “It’s over 3,600.” “Ehh?” “To be precise, it is 3,645.”
I have no intention of revealing the Skill Settlement System or the fact that it’s Origin Power, not mana. There is a risk that she might suffer something bad, including kidnapping, when she is away from me.
‘If she says she wants to be with me even after becoming S-Rank, that’s a different story.’
Yu Eun-ha looked at me blankly, then suddenly seemed to ponder something deeply and asked a question.
“To rent that Link skill, how much mana is needed?” “It’s 80 per hour.” “…Since C-Rank Gates are cleared within 4 hours at most, even if we enter two C-Rank Gates a day, mana won't be insufficient, right?” “That is true, but... will hunting twice a day be possible for you?” “Uh....”
For me, since I just have to use skills from the back, I’m confident I could enter not just twice but ten times if my Origin Power is sufficient. But Yu Eun-ha is a close-combat type who has to take direct attacks at the front, so her stamina consumption is severe.
“It would be tough, right?” “Yes. It will be impossible.” “Ah... That’s a shame. I can only go with Han... no, Senior once every 3 days....” “Oh, right. Come to think of it, I didn't tell you that.” “…Yes?”
I calmly informed her that I recover completely after 24 hours.
“Ehh?!” “I didn't tell the Association.” “Th-then isn't it once every 3 days after all?” “That is true, but... I plan to report soon that my recovery rate has increased a bit.” “H-how?” “Since I became A-Rank this time, I have an obligation to go close an A-Rank or B-Rank Gate.”
If I hadn't reported my growth this time, considering my skill level, a C-Rank Gate would have been assigned. But since I gained the B-Rank Energy Spear skill and it became known that I actually hunted an A-Rank monster...
“There is a high probability an A-Rank Gate will be assigned.” “Ah! Since there is a slim chance for equipment items or Skill Stones to drop starting from A-Rank, you intend to say you obtained a Skill Stone?” “Yes. That is my intention.”
For now, since my name is listed as a guest member of the Daemyung Guild, no one will approach to scout me separately. If I report that my recovery rate increased through a Skill Stone, the Daemyung Guild might ask if I want to become a formal guild member.
“And this time... I plan to make a small deal.” “A deal? What deal?” “That... I cannot tell you yet.” “Hmm...?”
Leaving the flustered Yu Eun-ha with words to meet in 3 days, we parted ways.
**
“So, what is the reason for visiting so suddenly?” “My skill has grown. So I came because I thought we needed to redo the deal.” “…Your skill grew?”
The Chairman of Daemyung Group looked at me blankly, then jumped up from his seat in shock and shouted.
“Don't tell me! The Status Effect Removal skill?!” “Yes. It became S-Rank.” “Ha... Haha....”
The Chairman laughed hollowly for a while, then asked why I didn't report it to the Association. I told him I got entangled with Jo Tae-hoon of the Association and said I couldn't trust the Association.
“Hmm... Of all people, he moved. This has become a headache.” “Did you not know he would move?” “He is just a fox who doesn't know his place and acts up. The real deal is the Association Chairman. I thought he would move.” “…The Association Chairman...?” “Yes, if he had moved, you wouldn't have distrusted the Association. He is the type to verify thoroughly before moving, but he likes gathering talented people.”
He thought that if the Association monitored me, eventually the Association Chairman himself would deploy people to test me. So as soon as he detected people other than the usual ones moving, he released the articles without hesitation...
“Of all people, it wasn't the Association Chairman but that Jo guy....” “…Is it a big problem?” “If I wanted to remove him, I could remove him anytime, but he is a guy who doesn't easily give up justification.” “Justification....” “Hmm... Seeing you grow like this, you will become at least S-Rank before my lifespan runs out... keep this in mind. From the moment you become S-Rank, justification is more important than anything else.”
The Chairman emphasized that while it’s a different story for SSS-Rank Hunters like the world rankers 1 to 3, up to SS-Rank, one must consider justification to exercise power.
“Then, what should I do?” “If you can grow beyond that, hide it until then. If not... you have no choice but to entrust yourself to a large guild.” “Hmm....”
I’m not keen on it. I don't think joining a large guild itself is bad, but the large guild the Chairman is talking about now is the Daemyung Guild.
“It seems you dislike guilds?” “…Yes.” “Seeing as how you act, it seems you have no intention of creating a guild either.” “That is correct.” “I see... In that case, it seems you are confident you can grow to SS-Rank or higher.” “…!”
I couldn't hide my flustered expression and looked at the Chairman. He chuckled and continued.
“You made it that obvious, yet you want to ask how I knew?” “…Was it that obvious?” “The acting was fine, but the scenario was poor. You should have at least said you would consider creating a guild yourself.” “Ah....”
The Chairman asked me to use the S-Rank Status Effect Removal skill first, so I immediately used the skill on him. Looking at him with an expectant expression, he spoke with a serious face.
“Go on a dispatch overseas.”