Chapter 72
Chapter 72
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 72
Chapter Title: Pirate Captain's Ransom
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A moment later, Academy President Baek Gayeon checked her full-body combat suit and her personal weapon, Claw, before immediately turning her attention back to the battlefield situation.
S-rank monster Bohaku.
It was an ain-type monster with a squid's head, dressed in a pirate-style coat adorned with gold and gem jewelry everywhere, topped off with a captain's hat. It served directly under the constellation Sanggeojung.
"Its main weapons are firearms and a cutlass? No data on its primary skills?"
"Yes. It was essentially a monster guarding the constellation Sanggeojung's sanctuary, so it only ever showed itself without ever engaging in direct combat."
"A tough opponent. It didn't come out here for nothing... For now, pull up data on pirate-class types. Its skills are probably based on those."
"But are you sure you'll be okay, President? Even if you're officially S-rank, you've already..."
"I'm fine. I know my own condition better than anyone."
She put on a brave front, but inside her combat suit, sweat from tension soaked her completely.
Even as an S-rank hunter, she had long retired from active duty due to injuries and lingering effects.
The reason she retained her S-rank status was purely for show in public announcements; in reality, she no longer had the capacity for it.
"And its goal is just plundering. Compared to those beastly underlings of the Slaughter King who'd risk their lives for a bite of meat, we have much better odds. These guys back off once they realize there's no profit in it."
"But this time feels different."
"When have we ever known everything before a fight? Every dungeon run feels like walking into the gates of hell. Hunters are meant to be prepared to die fighting monsters, sooner or later. Ahem~ Anyway, at this rate, we'll be too late. I'll head out separately."
Creak.
With time being extremely precious right now, she flung open the door of the still-moving trailer and leaped out, breaking into a run.
True to her status as an S-rank hunter—even if retired—she left only a white trail in her wake as she dashed forward.
Her plan was to target the rear of the monster horde heading toward Suwon, buy some time, and then link up with the others.
'There they are. The mana waves, that raucous noise—definitely a monster army... Hmm? Why are they stopped? Did something happen?'
[Kiyaaak! Th-this guy, what is he?]
[Damn! Damn! Our plundering plan!]
[B-Bohaku-nim! Getting beaten!]
'In combat? Who the hell are they fighting?'
Baek Gayeon caught up to Bohaku's S-rank monster pack at high speed and discovered they had halted to engage someone.
She shifted her gaze to spot those clashing with them.
"Smashing plunderers who prey on the weak for gold and magistones is the epitome of knighthood! Knights! Our honor lies here. Crush them all!"
"Yes, Captain!"
[Yes, my master!]
[Understood, contractor!]
[Thank you... master...]
'Hoo? A golden knight from the mines? But why is he fighting Sanggeojung?'
She had heard plenty about the golden mine knight who caused the Singangnam incident.
A mysterious figure who went mad, clad head to toe in golden armor, riding a gold dragon and rampaging across the battlefield.
Initially friendly during the S-rank monster and demon incidents, he became an enemy of Korea by sparking the Singangnam crisis—a fascinating enigma to her.
'The units waiting near Suwon lucked out. Grateful, but I need to know why?'
[Kuh! Hahaha! As expected of someone covered head to toe in gold—you're no ordinary foe! But I, Bohaku, will catch you yet!]
"What does wearing gold have to do with being strong?"
[Naturally, the strong possess more gold! You're strong because you're clad in gold dragon armor!]
"That's somewhat convincing. Hup!"
Claaang!
Baek Gayeon circled cautiously around the formation's edge, watching the clash between the golden mine knight and S-rank monster Bohaku.
The golden mine knight swung what might have been a sword or a blunt weapon—a massive hunk of metal—while Bohaku struggled to block with his shattered cutlass.
But it wasn't just their duel; the surroundings were a full-blown warzone.
[Galleon golems! Blast them all to bits!]
[Grgrgrk... Groooar...]
Five massive golems resembling galleons with limbs fired cannons from their hands, eyes aglow.
Led by Bohaku, direct apostle of the constellation Sanggeojung, building-sized golems rampaged alongside other pirate monsters—a sight straight out of a monster movie.
"Eldraen! You won't lose to those things, right?"
[Big ones mean big bonuses—I'm counting on it!]
[Don't lose!]
'Hmm... They're fighting in some bizarre way. But that's pretty shocking.'
The golden mine knight's side matched them fiercely, with various knights unleashing their prowess against the threatening horde.
Yet one thing struck her as odd.
The golden mine knight from news and reports had a heavy, sinister aura, but up close, he was surprisingly chatty and lighthearted.
'Hoo? Looks can be deceiving... This guy's got a normal vibe?'
"Anyway, wrap this up quick and let's bail! Everyone, give it your all! Squid spawn! I'll tenderize you and fry you in butter! Just die already!"
"Ugh! My cutlass... gone?"
Unable to withstand the golden mine knight's assault any longer, Bohaku's gold-and-gem-encrusted sword finally shattered.
Riding the momentum, the golden mine knight accelerated his attacks, mercilessly pounding Bohaku's flesh with Titan's Pile.
'Same S-rank as Leghorn, but weaker. Different specialties?'
[Kuoeok! Kuoek! S-save me! You lot! Galleon golems! Save me first! Uwaaak!]
'But its durability is weirdly high. Because its insides are squid-like? No bones? Then maybe nerve severance works?'
Seeing the squid-like face reminded Yoo Seongwon of his boss rambling about squid fishing, so he clenched his fist and struck precisely between the eyes and the head.
[Kuaak! Wh-what are you doing, human!]
"Oh, no nerve severance? I felt it shatter, though..."
[How dare you... Grrglrk!]
With a scream, Bohaku spewed black ink everywhere and collapsed.
It seemed like true nerve severance after all.
But not fully dead yet—it twitched violently, trying to rise.
Pointless now that it was subdued, so golden mine knight Yoo Seongwon raised Titan's Pile for the finish.
"Anyway, second S-rank monster kill?"
[P-please spare me! Gulp!]
"Why would I release prey I've already caught? Level-up EXP, magistone, cash—tons of benefits."
[Th-then I'll pay that much in money. Kill me now, and you only get what I have on me! Pay equivalent?]
Unbefitting an S-rank monster, Bohaku knelt foaming at the mouth, bargaining with his life.
Seeing this, Baek Gayeon was astonished but fully expected the ruthless golden mine knight to smash it with Titan's Pile anyway.
"Double down. Pay twice, and you're free."
[You robber... Kek!]
"Or head to the afterlife? In exchange, promise not to touch Sanggeojung monsters from now on. Same goes for you—no touching me. Swear it to your constellation."
[Grrglk... Gulp... Fine. I accept unconditionally! I swear on our constellation Sanggeojung! All hands, cease combat! Galleon golems! Fire the cease-fire signal!]
Boom boom!
Likewise, golden mine knight Yoo Seongwon ordered his knights and Eldraen to halt.
With only two of the five galleon golems left, they fired signal flares per orders to stop other fights, and both Bohaku's and the golden knight's sides immediately ended combat and began surrender procedures.
"Alright, let's see the payment. You won't renege here, right?"
[Fear not, human. We swore on our constellation's name—we keep promises. Wait a sec. Hupcha... Set it down here, count and collect.]
Bohaku pulled a small treasure chest from his inventory, inserted a finger, twisted, and opened it.
An unbelievable cascade of bills featuring Minister Kim poured out from the tiny box.
"Heh~ Thought you only hoarded gold and magistones, but you grabbed these too."
[Ah~ Our real target was gold in other vaults, but we snagged stacks from a raided bank first. These paper scraps mean nothing to us, but scavengers love 'em for trades.]
"Sanggeojung's forces did take a hit back then. Counting this'll be a pain. Bundle it up~ Is this really your worth? Still less than the EXP from killing you..."
[Ah, ah! Wait just a bit more. I have tons more of these paper scraps!]
He claimed it wasn't enough, but Yoo Seongwon was thrilled at the pure cash.
This haul meant buying a mountain for his lair was no longer a dream.
No—a whole range, creating total isolation.
'Like a natural fence! Internet and comms via wireless with Akaron's help... And...'
[Th-this enough?]
"Good. Solid deal."
Hard to tally precisely, but comparing to news photos, the mountain of 50,000-won bills easily topped billions.
Life-changing money.
Unable to wipe the grin from inside his armor, Yoo Seongwon let Bohaku's group go.
'Pfft~ Wanna dive in and swim through those bundles. But no snarky comments?'
[Hm? What's up, contractor?]
"Just surprised you're all quiet for once. Thought you'd yap about greed or whatever."
He expected it, but even his Knight's Grace trait was unusually silent today.
Gaulpf chuckled at his words and explained in detail.
[That's ransom—no issue. Fight honorably, accept defeat, pay the price, seal the pact. Clean, right? No vile schemes or dishonor in it.]
"Yeah, figured you'd gripe about allying with villains. Anyway~ Who's the lurker over there?"
With Bohaku's Sanggeojung minions gone, only his group should remain—yet sensing a hidden presence, Yoo Seongwon approached with Titan's Pile raised.
Unable to hide any longer, Academy President Baek Gayeon revealed herself and introduced herself.
"I'm the one who was supposed to handle those thieves. Golden mine knight, formally—I'm..."
"Academy President Baek Gayeon, right?"
"Oh? You know me? Impressive. The famous golden mine knight recognizes me. If it's not too much trouble, could this old lady have a word?"
Naturally, Yoo Seongwon's goal was just repaying her earlier favor.
He didn't welcome his identity spreading, so he stowed his weapon and cash, turning to leave.
"Nope. My part's done. See ya..."
"Problem with that monster money you got? You can't just use it as is."
Hearing that, Yoo Seongwon couldn't help halting his steps.
Unable to ignore a claim his new fortune had issues, he reluctantly turned back toward Academy President Baek Gayeon.