Chapter 21 - Special Gate
Special Gate
Translator : Elizabeth
Chapter 21: Special Gate
The seats weren't as luxurious as I expected, but the time on the plane was quite comfortable. It was so comfortable that as soon as Yu Eun-ha got off the plane, she requested that we stop by the Hunter Association.
“…Senior?” “Ahem... I didn't expect this either.”
The problem was that upon arriving at the New Zealand Hunter Association, an unexpected language barrier arose.
“Shouldn't we have bought translation items in Korea?” “…Naturally, I thought the Association would have spare translation items.” “Ah... True. It's strange that they don't, but maybe it wasn't that they didn't have any, but just ran out?”
Certainly, since this is a place where many Hunters from other countries come on dispatch, I should have anticipated a shortage of translation items. So I sent a text to the Daemyung Group Chairman, the only person I could rely on overseas, thinking the reply would be late due to the time difference while trying to book lodging...
[Wait a moment. An employee from the Auckland branch will bring translation items. I waited just in case, and as expected.]
Of course, I didn't receive them for free; I bought two translation items for 100 million won each. Although Yu Eun-ha bought one with trembling hands, translation items are something high-ranking Hunters should have at least one of anyway...
“Still, a waste is a waste!” “…Is, is that so?” “Of course!”
Yu Eun-ha said that after buying a house and paying taxes this time, the money left was exactly 130 million won. So buying the item this time meant her bank balance had shrunk significantly.
“Then, at least while we stay in New Zealand, I will take responsibility for room and board.” “…Eh? Ah, no! I didn't say that with that intention...!” “It’s fine. Still, I am your mentor, aren't I?” “Uh...?”
Yu Eun-ha looked at me with her mouth slightly open, then made an expression of resolving herself to something.
“Naturally, I will book separate rooms.” “…Nueh? How did you know?” “Just, I had a feeling you would say that.”
Saying that, we entered the Association and saw the Association employee who had been troubled earlier because we couldn't communicate.
“Excuse me.” “Oh! Did you get translation items? Very good!” “Yes. There happened to be a place where I could get them.” “Ahem~ Rather than that, could you tell me the purpose of your visit to the Association?” “We are Hunters dispatched from Korea.” “Oh?”
He made a surprised expression, asked us to wait a moment, and made a call somewhere. A short while later, a middle-aged woman appeared sweating profusely and greeted us warmly.
“Hunter Han Seo-jun and Hunter Yu Eun-ha. Correct?” “Yes. That is correct. I am Han Seo-jun, and this is Yu Eun-ha...” “It worked out well since we happened to be in urgent need. I heard Hunter Han Seo-jun can close B-Rank Gates solo.” “…Ah. Yes.” “By the way, are Special Gates possible too?”
Special Gate is a general term for Gates with special missions attached that appear occasionally. They rarely occur starting from B-Rank Gates and are famous for the high difficulty of the appearing missions.
“It depends on what the mission is, but generally, it should be possible.” “Then... does it matter even if it’s a Wave Mission?” “…Could you wait a moment?” “Ah! Hunter Han Seo-jun. It’s dangerous for a D-Rank Hunter, so you should enter alo...” “We make the choice.”
I answered as firmly as possible and looked at Yu Eun-ha. Special Gates with Wave Missions basically spew out over a thousand monsters.
‘Simply wiping them out is possible, but the problem is whether Yu Eun-ha can withstand it.’
Entering alone to wipe out the monsters versus entering with Yu Eun-ha to promote her growth, even if it's a bit dangerous.
“Junior Eun...” “I’ll go in!” “…Your life could be in danger.” “I will absolutely not become a burden!”
She looked at me with a very desperate expression, so I intend to take her in if possible, but...
“Has the internal terrain of the Gate been surveyed?” “That... It’s a cave, but it’s quite wide?” “Specifically, how wide is it?” “J-Just a moment!”
The employee, hurriedly tapping on a tablet, brought up a screen with the Gate's information and handed it to me.
‘Width is about 6~7m. That’s quite wide for a cave type. The appearing monsters are a jumble, befitting a wave type...’
When I didn't answer even after checking the information, the Association employee spoke with an urgent expression.
“Hunter Han Seo-jun! If you want, we can attach additional tankers or supporters!” “…Not needed. We will handle this Gate.” “Pardon...?” “Instead. I would like to ask for one favor.”
The reason I dragged out the time was none other than because I was checking the list of rentable skills.
“A favor... is it about the reward? Don't worry! 10 million US dollars are prepared!” “Ten million...?! Senior!” “If that is insufficient, additional rewards can also...!” “Not that, we want to change our deployment location.”
The Association employee stared blankly, then took back the tablet and spoke with sparkling eyes.
“Where do you want... No, just say anywhere!” “Please set it to Queenstown.” “Underst...! Yes?! Queenstown? That place is practically half a slum right now?!” “Yes. I know. But I heard there are many neglected Gates of B-Rank or higher there.”
Since I didn't add any other words on purpose, the Association employee bowed her head, revealing a myriad of emotions.
“Thank you. Hunter.” “....” “I will take responsibility for ensuring you get the reward. Also, I will find you the safest accommodation in Queenstown.” “Then, may we ask for guidance now?” “Of course! A helicopter is already prepared.”
Saying that, only gratitude was visible on the face of the Association employee guiding us.
‘It’s strictly for growth, but the New Zealand Hunter Association will think we are Hunters who value self-sacrifice or justice.’
Yu Eun-ha seemed to have realized how the situation was unfolding too; she was gauging the mood while trying hard to hide her surprised expression. After moving for about 5 minutes in the helicopter prepared by the New Zealand Hunter Association, a Gate guarded by numerous troops came into view.
“…Is that it?” “Yes. The Gate visible in that parking lot is the Special Gate I mentioned.” “I ask for reference, but what is that building?” “It’s a large-scale outlet shopping center called Manawa Bay.”
It seems the reward was set so generously because it opened in a place that inevitably disrupts daily life.
‘That’s probably why they’re asking to deal with it so urgently.’
While grasping the situation, the helicopter calmly landed in a corner of the parking lot. As soon as Yu Eun-ha and I got off the helicopter, we quickly finished combat preparations.
“Hunter Han Seo-jun. Do you have any separate supplies needed?” “None.” “Still...” “Please record our entry.”
The Association employee looked at us with a worried expression, then took out bottles containing blue liquid from her bosom.
“Please accept this. Hunter Han Seo-jun.” “No, I mean, the entry record...” “It’s A-Rank Recovery Potion. Please use it in case of emergency.” “....” “Even if you don't use it, you don't have to return it.”
Thinking she wouldn't record our entry if I didn't accept, I had no choice but to take the potions and put them in my subspace wallet.
“3:51 PM GMT. Hunter Han Seo-jun and 1 other. Entry confirmed.” “…Then, see you after closing the Gate.” “Yes. Have a safe trip.”
I exchanged glances with Yu Eun-ha and entered the Gate. As soon as we entered, a system message popped up.
[(Mission) Defend against the Monster Wave! (1/10)] [Time until Wave... 04:59]
‘Simple.’
Since it was my first time receiving a mission in a Gate, I inwardly expected some flashy effects to burst out, but...
“Wow... Is this the mission?” “Junior Eun-ha.” “Ah! I’m sorry. I’ll focus.” “…I meant for you to receive Energy Coating.”
Yu Eun-ha summoned her shield with an awkward expression and held it out toward me.
“Energy Coating 200%.” “Eh? You’re applying 200%?” “Yes. I think that is the only way to withstand it.”
Answering thus, I rented the S-Rank Chanting-less (No Chant) Skill I had been eyeing since the Association. To handle B-Rank monsters with Magic Missile, I absolutely have to use it at 200% output. Since waves where over a hundred monsters appear continue 10 times, there was no time to shout skill names individually.
“Junior Eun-ha. I’m telling you in advance, I will not deal with the monsters Junior Eun-ha faces unless I say otherwise.” “Uh... Then do I have to deal with them alone?” “If possible, you may do so, but if experience stops increasing or you think it’s dangerous, tell me. I will handle them immediately.” “To prevent my stamina consumption, right?” “Yes. That is correct.”
As confirmed in the C-Rank Gate we last entered in Korea, there was a limit to the experience gained by defending. After receiving about 4~6 attacks from one monster, experience didn't increase.
[Time until Wave... 02:37]
Checking the time left until the wave, I explained my intended goal to Yu Eun-ha as quickly as possible. My goal was to suppress the monsters heading towards her to a maximum of two at a time while dealing with the rest.
“Junior Eun-ha’s goal is to prevent the monsters that reach you from approaching me.” “You mean I should extract as much experience as possible while doing so?” “Yes. If you do well, the level of Junior Eun-ha’s Divine Armament might rise in this Gate.”
The problem is that then she would become B-Rank, meaning she can't renew her license in the middle...
‘If I utilize the New Zealand Hunter Association well, I might be able to ensure distorted information reaches Jo Tae-hoon?’
“Uh... Then do you intend not to enter B-Rank Gates in Queenstown?” “No. We absolutely have to go.” “Why...?”
Certainly, if Yu Eun-ha becomes B-Rank, her efficiency in B-Rank Gates will drop as experience efficiency decreases. But I intend to properly win the favor of the New Zealand Hunter Association.
“If we handle all the B-Rank and higher Gates... the New Zealand Hunter Association might support our activities and hide our tracks.” “Ehh?”
Yu Eun-ha seems not to understand, so I should explain in detail once we return to the accommodation.
[Time until Wave... 00:07]
“Stay tense, and look forward.” “Ah! Yes!”
[The 1st Wave begins.]