Chapter 19 - Advice
Advice
Translator : Elizabeth
Chapter 19: Advice
“Overseas, you say?” “Yes, that is the best option. Do not return, but apply for re-dispatch every time the dispatch ends.” “…Should I understand that as telling me to return only after I have grown to reach my goal?” “Huh? You should come back at least once a month to use your skill on me!”
When I made a dumbfounded expression at his words, the Chairman chuckled and shook his head.
“Once you grow to S-Rank, you may return from then on.” “…Is S-Rank sufficient?” “Oho?”
Thinking the Chairman would see through my acting, I decided to stop acting altogether. It was also because I understood that he genuinely intended to give me advice.
“Do you not need me, Chairman?” “Hahaha! Yes, that is true! Since that guy in America won't come even if I offer double, I really can't do without you!” “So please tell me. Is S-Rank sufficient?” “No, I can say with certainty that it is insufficient.”
Although the Chairman spoke decisively, he said that at S-Rank, I could at least escape the minimum checks. In other words, I would become able to protect myself, but right now, I have an obligation to protect Yu Eun-ha.
“Seeing your reaction... it seems that Jo guy ordered you to do something?” “Yes. That is correct.” “Is that something that cannot be done overseas?” “…As long as I can enter Gates, it is not impossible.” “Then he will let you go.”
Naturally, the Chairman didn't know what was going on between Jo Tae-hoon and me, so I explained it in as much detail as possible. He listened seriously to my words, then nodded with an expression of disbelief.
“If it’s him, that sounds about right. However, even in that case, he will let you go. As long as you return on time.” “…Is that so?” “Since you became A-Rank anyway, if you want to operate without standing out, overseas is the only answer.” “Ah.”
Although there are hundreds of A-Rank Hunters domestically, there are no A-Rank Hunters who operate independently like me. So it means Jo Tae-hoon would accept if I applied for dispatch under the pretext of ‘not standing out.’
“Right, have you found the answer now?” “…Yes. Chairman.” “Then... now we should make the deal you mentioned at first, right?”
Since I ended up receiving advice while coming to make a deal, effectively, I have already obtained what I wanted. I was wanting Gates beyond Jo Tae-hoon's gaze anyway.
“Originally, in exchange for using the S-Rank Status Effect Removal skill on you, I intended to demand B-Rank or higher Gates allocated to the Daemyung Guild.” “It’s a decent deal, but it has become unnecessary now.” “Yes. Because I learned there is another way.” “Then... how about I take care of you separately?”
The Chairman spoke nonchalantly, but my attention naturally shifted to the subspace wallet I was carrying in my pocket.
“By ‘take care of me,’ do you mean...?” “Kuk-kuk... You have less greed than I thought.” “…Sorry, pardon? Less?”
I heard that S-Rank Status Effect skill holders in the US receive 1 million dollars per session. So I flinched, thinking that receiving something more expensive than the subspace wallet would mean calling a higher price than that.
“Well, even if you are a person without greed, I intend to pay the proper price.” “…?” “Wait a moment.”
The Chairman suddenly contacted someone, and not even 10 minutes later, a secretary appeared holding a small box.
“Chairman. Here is the item you mentioned.” “Good work. You may leave.” “Yes. Chairman.”
As soon as the secretary left, the Chairman handed the box to me. Asking for his understanding, I opened it.
[Ring of Condensation - S] [A ring with condensed natural energy.] [Increases resource recovery speed by 3 times.]
“Th-this is...?” “How is it. Isn’t it a very useful item for you?” “…Yes. It was an item I definitely wanted to obtain if I could.”
The Ring of Condensation basically costs over 30 billion won, and it is an item that Hunters of S-Rank or higher who mainly use skills like me would want to get their hands on somehow.
‘If I wear this, there is no need to rent S-Rank resource recovery-related skills.’
“In addition to that ring, let’s rewrite the contract.” “Are you raising the fee per session?” “Of course. Since it has been proven now.” “…Proven?”
For some reason, the Chairman looked at me with an expression of disbelief, then answered with a hollow laugh.
“You. Did you forget? Only a few days ago, I received the A-Rank Status Effect Removal skill from you.” “…Uh?”
Status Effect Removal skills are originally applied only once a month.
“And just a moment ago. I confirmed that the Status Effect Removal I received from you was applied normally.”
Thanks to that, even the ‘certainty’ mentioned by Cha Ji-hoon of the Purifiers was established. The certainty that even if one received the A-Rank Status Effect Removal skill I used, the S-Rank Status Effect Removal skill is applied separately.
“Furthermore, your Status Effect Removal is more effective than what that guy in America uses.” “…Ah.” “Hmm... It seems you didn't think about that.”
To be honest, because the Chairman gave me advice that was so useful to me, I had completely forgotten. The Chairman looked at me and said his recovered lifespan was three times that of a normal S-Rank Status Effect Removal.
“If it’s three times, is it 1 year?” “Honestly, I can't believe it either, but the machine says so.” “Ah. You mean your biological age returned to 1 year ago?” “Yes, the machine indicates a body 1 year younger than before I met you.”
Then, to put it differently, if I cast the skill 20 times, he would become at least 20 years younger. Since he is a conglomerate head like the Chairman, he could manage his body thoroughly, so he might live even longer.
“It seems I can handle the succession competition a bit more carefully.” “…Are you returning to the front lines?” “Hm? It will just be a little later than scheduled, I still intend to retire.”
He said he lived as Chairman for too long, and now he intends to retire and maybe do some farming.
“Let’s set the fee per session at 4 billion.” “Understood.”
Thinking simply, since the effect is three times greater, it would be right to receive more than that, but I have already received a 30 billion won ring from the Chairman.
‘Conclusively, I’m receiving over 100 billion won, so I am receiving more than three times.’
“I like that you calculate fast. Then, when can I see you next?” “…Wouldn't that depend on Jo Tae-hoon’s mood?” “Kuk-kuk... Right. If it becomes difficult, contact me separately. I will help.” “Yes. Chairman.”
**
As soon as I parted with the Chairman, I contacted Jo Tae-hoon. Although briefly flustered, Jo Tae-hoon said he would wait on the Association rooftop.
“Huh? You want to be sent on dispatch?” “Yes.” “Why suddenly? It’s not like there’s a shortage of Gates domestically? Even at this moment, Gates are continuously appearing.” “Because I became A-Rank.”
Jo Tae-hoon groaned with an expression of realization, then nodded and spoke.
“It stands out too much.” “Yes. Rumors must have already started spreading.” “There weren't any scout offers, right?” “Isn't the Daemyung Guild still behind me for now?” “Right, for now.”
Saying that, he put a cigarette in his mouth and exhaled a sigh. Jo Tae-hoon smoked silently for a while, then sent a text somewhere and led me to his office.
“Hmm... Going to New Zealand should work.” “…New Zealand?” “Yeah. That’s the best.” “May I ask the reason?” “There are fewer Gates than in Canada.”
It’s important that I don't stand out, but he intends to suppress Yu Eun-ha’s growth by reducing the number of Gates we can enter.
“When should I depart?” “You should be able to go within a week at the latest... First, some measures need to be taken, so go home and pack.” “Yes. Director.”
Being able to go on overseas dispatch easier than I thought, I felt a slight sense of relief. It meant the Daemyung Group Chairman’s advice was excellent, but...
“Senior!” “…Junior Eun-ha? Why are you here?” “Well, I suddenly got a text just now. I intended to contact Senior after arriving at the Association.”
Saying that, Yu Eun-ha showed me the text she received. The text contained a question asking if she had any intention of going on dispatch with her mentor, who had applied for dispatch to New Zealand.
“What is this suddenly?” “You just have to reply that you will go together.” “…Is it Senior’s plan?” “Hmm... Let’s move for now.” “Ah, yes. Senior.”
Since using the same place continuously risks Jo Tae-hoon installing bugs or hidden cameras, this time we found a C-Rank Gate we could enter immediately and entered.
“Senior. Can you explain now?” “Yes. First... I received advice from someone trustworthy.” “…It’s not a government or Association official, right?” “Technically, it is someone related to a large guild... but you can consider him in a state where he desperately needs me.”
Yu Eun-ha made a slightly dissatisfied expression, but...
“The Jeweler monster?” “Yes. The byproduct dropped by the Jeweler monster was the problem.” “Ah... If I hadn't said Senior handled it right there...” “Still, to sell the Jeweler monster's byproducts, I had no choice but to reveal my identity.”
When I informed her that becoming an A-Rank Hunter drew attention, she tilted her head with a puzzled expression.
“Why does being an A-Rank Hunter become a problem?” “Externally, I am known to belong to the Daemyung Guild, but I am acting separately like this.” “Ah! They might mistake it as having a bad relationship with the guild and approach to scout you?” “Yes. That is correct.”
If that happens, eventually people trying to dig up information on us are bound to appear. Then, in the worst case, my and Yu Eun-ha’s hidden abilities might be exposed.
“Escaping overseas is the best option.” “…Then could you tell me Senior’s goal?” “Even if it takes time, I intend to return after becoming SS-Rank in New Zealand.”
She seemed to stutter for a moment, but soon made an expression of acceptance. It seems she hadn't thought I could grow up to SS-Rank.
“…I still don't have the qualification to ask what Senior’s innate ability is, right?” “If Junior Eun-ha tells me everything you are hiding, I will be able to tell you what I am hiding too.” “Then... for now, is it enough to know that Senior can become SS-Rank like me?” “Yes. That is sufficient.”
Since we entered the Gate simply for conversation this time, I disposed of all the monsters without giving Yu Eun-ha a chance to step in.
“Uh? That’s right! Senior!” “Yes?” “That... since we’re already at the end of the Gate, it feels a bit too late, but.” “It’s fine. Please speak.” “When you came out of the Association earlier, weren't you pondering something?”
If it was the thought I had before meeting Yu Eun-ha, it was the part where the Daemyung Group Chairman gave advice. I wasn't particularly worried, but it seems to her eyes, I looked like I was worrying.
“Because the advice I received worked so effectively, I was feeling relieved.” “Ehh...? That expression was an expression of relief?!” “…It was...?”
For some reason, Yu Eun-ha was looking at me with a bizarre expression.