Chapter 19
Chapter 19
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 19
Chapter Title: Han Su-ho
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"This way, please."
"Ah, yeah... By the way... Heh heh. This place really doesn't suit a guy like me."
Lee Wan-yong scratched his nonexistent hair as he followed the guide.
Glancing around, he saw a sleek, sophisticated building filled with cutting-edge devices made from tower resources.
Inside, there were spacious hunter-exclusive training grounds and maintenance rooms that ordinary hunters could only dream of, and famous hunters he'd seen on TV passed by frequently.
This massive building was the entire Hunter Agency. There was no other like it in Korea. It was the office of Ranking 1 Hunter Han Su-ho.
'Who would've thought she'd summon me here so urgently after just one day...'
Cold sweat beaded on Lee Wan-yong's shiny forehead.
That interview with him and Han Su-ho had become a huge topic in no time.
It was circulating across communities and YouTube under titles like "Han Su-ho Schools the Brainless Reporter!" and racked up massive views.
The public's reaction was, predictably, unanimous condemnation of the clueless reporter Lee Wan-yong, with petitions for his execution even popping up.
But that was exactly what Lee Wan-yong had hoped for.
Even hate clicks were attention. If people came to his articles just to curse him out, it was still a win.
However, dragging Han Su-ho into it seemed to have crossed the line.
Right after yesterday's press conference, his boss called and chewed him out. Within a day, complaints flooded the company via phone and email.
His outlet, Hunter Daily, was infamous for fabricating sensational stories without regard for hunters... but even they knew to pick their targets.
The boss didn't fire Lee Wan-yong, who was good at churning out high-view articles.
Legally, the company wasn't liable for one off-the-cuff question from a reporter.
But they wouldn't shield him from the backlash.
'Heh. So what?'
Condemnation? Abuse? Lee Wan-yong scoffed.
No matter how much the public raged, what could they actually do?
This country guaranteed press freedom.
Even if they called him clueless or rude, it wouldn't lead to real consequences.
Company image? Hunter Daily was already trash-tier.
It was different from elected officials or government figures who actually faced accountability.
Those cursing him for rudeness wouldn't do more than that. Any physical retaliation would land them in criminal court.
Besides, all he'd done was ask one question about a promising hunter's record.
It was a public taboo among hunters, but not illegal.
Sure, some passerby might recognize and yell at him... but for a guy like Lee Wan-yong, who thrived on smear pieces and fabrications, that was daily life.
But...
'I didn't expect her to call me in right away... And from Han Su-ho, no less.'
Han Su-ho was a hunter with overwhelming popularity in every aspect—skill, achievements, looks.
But the more fans, the more haters.
She was the most bashed and insulted hunter, especially in anonymous communities or the Tower Climbing Gallery for hunters only.
Top figures in any field faced such indignities.
What made Han Su-ho remarkable was that she'd never sued or taken legal action against any malicious commenters.
In a past interview, she'd said, "I'll gladly accept any criticism or harsh words. Haters are precious citizens too. I have no plans for legal action."
Lee Wan-yong had gone all out yesterday partly banking on that personality.
'I thought that was the case... So there is some personal payback after all? But calling me here directly is a bit odd.'
If it was revenge, she'd do it quietly, not send a polite meeting request.
Maybe she'd come looking if he ignored the summons?
Anyway, what would become of him now?
Hunters faced tower penalties for harming civilians, so Han Su-ho wouldn't retaliate personally.
But she was the flagship hunter of a massive company.
Crushing a lowly reporter without getting her hands dirty would be effortless.
'Well, that might be fine too. My life's trash anyway.'
His parents had disowned him long ago, no family to support.
He'd told a colleague before coming, but no one would accuse this giant corp of inciting murder.
No one would mourn his death, and it wouldn't even make the news.
Lee Wan-yong knew full well how vile and low he was.
Maybe that's why he lived like there was no tomorrow.
Dying at the hands of Ranking 1? Overkill for a nobody like him.
Still, his hand trembled on the doorknob to Han Su-ho's room.
Though her opening words deflated all his tension—they were utterly unexpected.
"You want to know about the Mountain Squirrel Hunter...?"
"Yes. That guy from your article. I'd like to see the original photo first."
What was this about...? He couldn't have imagined.
He'd assumed it was about his rudeness at the press conference, but no.
About some bottom-rung laborer hunter?
Han Su-ho's face was calm, showing no resentment or interest in yesterday.
Lee Wan-yong dazedly handed over the original photo file. Her eyes widened upon seeing it.
"...This man's name is Kim Ji-woo?"
"Pardon? Ah, yes... That's right. How did you know his name?"
"..."
She didn't answer.
She just stared piercingly at the man in the photo.
Lee Wan-yong didn't miss the faint tremble in her hand holding the smartphone.
'What's that reaction...? I thought he was just some low-floor nobody... Is he connected to Han Su-ho somehow?'
"...You said you interviewed him in person, right? I read the article, but it was probably fabricated. Can I hear the actual details?"
"Sure..."
At her command, Lee Wan-yong recounted the real story of Kim Ji-woo, nothing like the article.
He stuck to 100% truth to gauge her genuine reaction.
Kim Ji-woo hadn't said much about himself, but Lee had heard plenty from Choi beforehand.
Dropped out of high school at 18 when his parents entered capsules, started manual labor. Awakened by chance but got trash skills, still does odd jobs as a hunter.
A tale of a pitiful young man turned into one of a lazy slob in the article.
Han Su-ho's expression cooled as she listened.
"...As I suspected, it's nothing like the article."
"Well, articles need some spin to give the public what they want."
"Enough. Just one question."
She closed her eyes briefly, took a deep breath like steeling herself, then spoke after a pause.
"Did he... seem struggling? With his... tough situation...?"
"Nah, not really. Looked fine to me. Most young guys would've cracked."
To Lee Wan-yong, who'd seen every type of person as a reporter, Kim Ji-woo was rare.
Upright eyes, posture, attitude amid hardships that would break ordinary folk.
Such steel-willed types were rarer than top hunters.
Born unbreakable, they never crumbled or fell in extreme situations.
Maybe that's why he'd written that harassing article—some inexplicable disgust at that unbreakable spirit?
'Compared to that guy, this woman—'
"I see..."
She bit her lower lip slightly, eyes downcast. What emotion was that uneasy expression hiding?
Anger? Glee? Disgust? Pity? Or... love-hate?
Even Lee Wan-yong, veteran of countless human emotions, couldn't read it.
One thing clear: she harbored deep, complex feelings for Kim Ji-woo.
That shaken face was worlds apart from the composed Han Su-ho at yesterday's conference.
He dared not ask if they were connected.
"...Thank you. You can go now."
"Pardon? I have questions too..."
"You can't turn today's talk into an article. It wouldn't get published anyway... And sorry about the recorder in your pocket."
"...!"
He pulled it out—a broken mini recorder.
When? Her skill? No surprise; she'd acquired all kinds climbing the upper floors.
A cold voice followed.
"Self-defense. Against your malicious, unauthorized recording. No penalty for me. Bill me if you need compensation."
"...Fine. I'm broke anyway."
"Delete the article on Mr. Kim Ji-woo. Or rather, I'll contact Hunter Daily directly to request it."
"..."
Unilateral tyranny. But Lee Wan-yong couldn't protest.
What couldn't this woman do in Korea if she wanted?
Despite yesterday's rudeness, she hadn't touched him—purely her strong principles.
Bang-
In the end, Lee Wan-yong left empty-handed, humiliated.
But outside the door, his body trembled with thrill.
"Ha, haha... Gotta know what their deal is, even if it kills me."
He was vile and pathetic, but resilient for it.
Today marked the end of the golem section climbs.
With more companions, he could've hit Floor 11 long ago, but he'd looped golems to gather materials for Fran's weapon.
Fran's body was now mostly covered in sturdy black alloy, and he'd ordered a second club he could wield two-handed.
Should arrive tomorrow.
Thunder had his flying squirrel suit and was in top shape, mentally and physically. Jumping around excitedly multiple times a day.
With this firepower, why stop at 15? Straight to 20, then repeat clears?
Companions really were a blessing.
"Whew, it's super late today. Let's get home."
"Chirp. Chirp chirp."
"This is... your fault for throwing a tantrum to watch more TV, Thunder."
They were heading home a bit later than usual because Thunder had insisted on finishing a movie he spotted during dinner.
Fortunately, they made it back before midnight, when the tower's daily entry reset.
The streets were pitch black later than usual, with plenty of drunks staggering by.
Even the playground on the way home had some—kids who looked... way too young.
"...No matter how I look, those seem like high schoolers."
Hmm, some in uniforms drinking. Smoking too.
That looked like his sister's school uniform. Such kids existed? Worrying...
But that guy... at least change clothes, show some effort.
"Hey! You, come here!"
"...?"
Not his business—juvenile delinquents—so he tried to walk on, but a harsh voice called from behind.
What? Mad I glanced?
Wanted to ignore, but they chased and surrounded him slowly, swaggering with splayed legs. Their words were gold.
"What's with the attitude? We call, you ghost us?"
"Hey, but... it's him, right?"
"Yeah, matches. Squirrel on his shoulder. That Squirrel Hunter bastard."
Squirrel Hunter?
No way...
"Hey, it's you, right?"
The leader shoved his phone in his face—the article with Kim Ji-woo's photo.
Unbelievable. Such empty-headed idiots really existed.