Chapter 172
Chapter 172
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 172
Chapter Title: Japan's Desperate Choice
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“Ughhh……”
“Prime Minister.”
“Hoo~ Give me some time to think. This… this is really a tough decision.”
“Yes.”
Anyone gathered here instantly understood that this was no easy matter to decide.
The value of four S-class Hunters was beyond words—talking more would just hurt their mouths. But yielding the sea route as demanded would surely invite condemnation not just from the Hunter Association but from the international community.
Yet, they couldn’t possibly abandon four S-class Hunters.
“Prime Minister! You’re not thinking of abandoning our S-class Hunters, are you?”
“But if we give in to their demands, we’ll face massive backlash from the international community. Do you know what the 66 Heavenly Demons constellation is? They’re the ones who send endless waves of spectral soldiers, waging eternal war.”
“Then are you saying we should discard our precious Japanese S-class Hunters? A nation survives because of its S-class Hunters! Clearing the core dungeon will make the 66 Heavenly Demons’ forces vanish. So, naturally, we choose the option with the higher chance of success.”
“Exactly. If the choice is hard, we pick the one that benefits our homeland. International condemnation? We can only face that if Japan endures! Prime Minister! Plus, haven’t they even sworn oaths to the constellations? No anomalies beyond the Nagoya front line right now!”
“And this time, we can’t even call that vaunted Korean mercenary, so there are no other options.”
It was a weighty issue that left them agonizing in every direction, but the answer narrowed down to one.
If it was problematic either way, they had no choice but to select the option that benefited ‘Japan.’
Yes, exactly—escort the 66 Heavenly Demons constellation’s army and generals to another continent and rescue the four S-class Hunters.
“But this decision must remain secret……. If other nations find out, it’ll be extremely troublesome, so Guild Masters and Special Forces Captain… keep the return of the four missing S-class Hunters under wraps. Understood? Everyone, swear on your constellations.”
“Yes, understood. I swear on my constellation Tokisada.”
“Likewise……”
In the end, they’d committed to the act, but to minimize the fallout, they agreed to control information and deny any involvement with the spectral soldiers and generals crossing over.
To that end, they silenced everyone—not only having constellation-wielders swear on their patrons’ names but also extracting promises repeatedly from officials and other staff.
“Defense Minister, contact the navy immediately and prepare ships. To rescue them as quickly and quietly as possible, Korea’s the way… and it’s crucial to subtly leave one general in a spot where they’ll notice latest.”
“Understood.”
“…A heartbreaking decision, but this is the only way to save Japan.”
“How about informing Korea or that… Yoo Seongwon Hunter?”
“If we tell them, they won’t stay quiet……. Let a general land in Korea first, then notify them casually. If we don’t tell them, they won’t take our requests anymore… so we must handle it without bruising feelings.”
They’d already amply confirmed Yoo Seongwon’s power, so provoking him was out of the question, but lingering worries were inevitable.
When the 66 Heavenly Demons constellation’s army landed, endless spectral soldiers would swarm, and the costs to hold the front against them wouldn’t be trivial—massive protests were certain. Still, the Japanese government saw it as better than selling out Japan’s future.
And so, the Japanese government handed the reply to the Fire Army General via the Special Forces Captain, while the Defense Minister promptly contacted the navy to arrange transport ships for the Fire Army General.
All while rationalizing that no country would ever abandon four S-class Hunters.
***
One week later, the frontline city.
Originally an S-class Hunter active in Korea, Choi Choong-seon had shifted to internal duties away from combat since joining Yoo Seongwon, and today too, he was enjoying a peaceful, pleasant day.
He’d even gotten the top-floor penthouse in the newly built luxury apartments in the frontline city. No annoying politics or bullying, just ample pay for easy work—it was a life going perfectly.
“Wow, this is going so well it’s almost burdensome. Who’d have thought I’d be overlooking the city from a place like this.”
Having finally achieved the kind of life he’d imagined upon becoming an S-class Hunter, he smiled in satisfaction.
On the surface, the frontline city was a military hub to defend against Slaughter King constellation’s forces, but in reality, it rivaled any major metropolis in prosperity.
With top-notch security and cascading investments, it boasted full amenities; jobs were plentiful, pay generous, and work-life balance ideal.
Plus, strict controls on housing and commercial properties kept speculators out, allowing common folk affordable rentals. Online forums and news comments overflowed with desires to live in the frontline city.
“No wonder people are even asking me how to move in……. Sigh~”
‘As long as it looks good enough. The point is to make the Korean government feel a massive sense of crisis.’
Yoo Seongwon always brushed it off like that when explaining the frontline city’s purpose, but people thought otherwise.
The city’s great environment drew envy, but as it grew, folks just scrambled to get in without any stimulus to improve their own lives.
“For something like that, this place turned out too perfect—almost problematic.”
Thus, Choi Choong-seon’s duties had shifted from managing Iron Fortress internals to catching those forcibly trying to enter the frontline city or sneaking in.
Of course, as a druid who could handle bugs and mutate, no one was better suited.
Work was fine, but the worry was the Korean government’s discontent.
“…They can’t let corporations in, can’t let speculators in, so they’re pressuring with all sorts of nonsense, but the boss ignores it……”
Furious at being barred from this land of milk and honey, they pulled every lever to loosen entry restrictions—but that was impossible.
The frontline city—literally hugging the front line against Slaughter King constellation—had delegated most authority to Yoo Seongwon.
“Could something blow up like this? Hmm~ No issues yet, but……”
Their last resorts were banning sales of goods, materials, and supplies to the city or financial pressure, but deploying those meant going all-in, so they held back fearing Yoo Seongwon might turn scavenger.
“Ugh, anyway, the Three Generals already know, so they’ll handle it.”
Jin-seok, Yoo Cheong, Jung-han—the trio dubbed the Three Generals—knew external sentiments toward the frontline city and would prepare countermeasures, thought Choi Choong-seon as he finished his drink.
Then, his phone rang.
“Hm? From Gwangju area…? Sigh~ Probably more useless begging to come back. Yes~ Choi Choong-seon speaking?”
(Choi Choong-seon Hunter! Big trouble. Suddenly, near ‘Neo Sinan Undercity’ down in South Jeolla……)
“What happened? Speak slowly.”
Unlike expected, the urgent tone made Choi Choong-seon focus and listen.
The call’s gist: Something seemed wrong in the crime-ridden Neo Sinan Undercity, so they’d sent drones and guilds to check.
(…At first, we thought it was just routine gang fighting. But closer look showed a massive war with ‘something,’ and further checks revealed they were battling… ‘spectral’ monsters mainly from Japan.)
“…Spectral soldiers? Why in Korea?”
Choi Choong-seon was a full-fledged S-class Hunter, well-versed in neighboring constellations and monsters.
Wild dungeons without constellation involvement did spawn undead types sometimes, but they needed environmental triggers—schools or military bases mostly in Korea for ghost/undead mains.
(And in huge numbers, plus a bizarre Japanese-style castle appeared near Mokpo……)
“Japanese-style castle? Then the 66 Heavenly Demons constellation’s army? Got it. Send data immediately.”
(Yes! Of course.)
No room for doubt with the sudden Japanese castle and spectral soldiers tale.
Yes—the 66 Heavenly Demons constellation’s minions had landed in Korea. This was a grave issue they couldn’t ignore.
A major crisis for the Republic of Korea, so Choi Choong-seon moved to inform Yoo Seongwon at once.
“Did you notify the Korean government?”
(Of course. We’re their channel… They’re already in emergency meeting. But Yoo Seongwon Hunter isn’t responding……)
“Got it. I’ll relay it right away.”
(Please do.)
No sitting idle in such a serious situation.
Choi Choong-seon quickly changed and leaped from the window to the ground below.
He headed straight for the Western-style castle where Yoo Seongwon handled business, already spotting Yoo Cheong, Jin-seok, and Jung-han waiting.
“Ah! Three Generals! What are you doing? I have urgent business for the boss……”
“Shh~ His Majesty is in an important moment right now.”
“Yes? What?”
Calmed by the trio’s restraint, Choi Choong-seon cautiously peeked into Yoo Seongwon’s room. Inside, Yoo Seongwon sat side-by-side with Shin So-mi, quietly doing his thing.
Wearing a headset, he watched his usual variety shows, while Shin So-mi read a book silently.
It looked like rest time anywhere you looked, leaving Choi Choong-seon dumbfounded as he confronted the three generals.
“What do you mean nothing? They’re doing nothing!”
“That’s what’s important. Rest and emotional bonding matter as much as fighting, politics, money, and management. For one wielding great power, mental stability is paramount.”
“…Ah, right. But seriously, this isn’t some temple—what’s this……?”
“That’s a form of exchange too. I once had that with Jung-han… Gah!”
Jung-han swiftly silenced Yoo Cheong’s idle chatter.
Anyway, Yoo Seongwon and Shin So-mi spent time together like that—glancing at each other occasionally, sharing brief chats on shared interests, maintaining a calm exchange.
“Doesn’t this feel lukewarm for dating?”
“If they disliked each other, they wouldn’t be together. Both in their 30s, so lacking passion is inevitable.”
“Anyway, there’s a serious situation right now.”
“Yeah, your noisy fussing piqued my curiosity. Sigh~ Uncle Choong-seon, come in and spill. What’s the urgent business?”
Yoo Seongwon eventually opened the door first and approached them, ushering Choi Choong-seon, Jin-seok, Yoo Cheong, and Jung-han inside.
Yoo Seongwon gave the floor first to Choong-seon, who’d called it urgent business.
Choong-seon showed the data, reporting that the 66 Heavenly Demons constellation’s army had landed in Korea.
Naturally, Yoo Seongwon and everyone looked shocked, knowing full well the fatal flaw: they couldn’t cross seas.
“What the hell? How did they cross the ocean?”
“…No idea. Anyway, Korea’s now sandwiched between Slaughter King constellation up north and the 66 Heavenly Demons’ forces. Neo Sinan Undercity—where they’ve connected islands into one—is already fighting a general leading spectral soldiers.”
“This fucking…… Sigh~ No wonder my phone’s blowing up. Gear up first. Mokpo, right? Where the castle appeared? Gotta see it ourselves. Prep the trailer.”
With a deep sigh, Yoo Seongwon issued orders to prepare, and all subordinates moved to ready for departure.