Chapter 37
Chapter 37
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 37
Chapter Title: Establishment Permit
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Han Siwoo arrived at none other than the Korea Hunter Association headquarters.
The treatment was worlds apart from when he'd come before to handle miscellaneous tasks.
Entering the lobby, a staff member in a crisp suit rushed out as if he'd been waiting just for him.
"Welcome, Representative Han. We've been expecting you."
The employee bowed at a perfect ninety degrees, offering a polite greeting.
Siwoo could feel the sidelong glances from passing hunters and Association staff.
Some held envy, others awe.
The representative of the hottest management company in Korea right now—one boasting three S-rank hunters.
That was Han Siwoo's current standing.
He followed the employee with steady steps, undisturbed by the stares.
He was led to Director Kim Youngsik's office.
The man had crossed paths with Siwoo once before, over the Choi Minseok matter.
Knock, knock.
"Come in."
As the door opened, Director Kim Youngsik shot up from his seat inside.
"Welcome, Representative Han! Hahaha!"
He welcomed Siwoo with enthusiasm bordering on excess.
Siwoo knew full well why he was so thrilled.
Within the Association, Han Siwoo had already risen from "person of interest" to full VIP status.
Moreover, his feat of connecting Kang Cheolmin as Miracle Management's advisory counsel was the highest-rated achievement in the Association.
The better Han Siwoo and Miracle Management fared, the brighter Director Kim Youngsik's own evaluations shone—an ironic symbiosis.
An inseparable mutual benefit, intended or not.
Siwoo gave a light nod and took a seat on the sofa.
"How have you been?"
"Extremely well! All thanks to you, Representative Han. My shoulders have never been higher lately."
"...I see."
Director Kim grinned ear to ear as he personally poured tea.
Siwoo's flat response didn't faze him in the slightest.
"But your expression doesn't look great. Something wrong?"
"...No. I'm fine."
"Come on, tell me. Does the Association need to handle something? Just say the word—I'll take care of it right away."
Siwoo toyed with his teacup before slowly speaking.
"I'm not here for that today."
"...Even so, while you're here, maybe I can help? No need for formalities between us."
Siwoo feigned reluctance before cutting to the chase.
"You know about that villain Red getting caught not long ago, right?"
"Ah, yes. The factory incident? You pulled off something huge there, Representative Han. The Association saved face thanks to you."
"That's what this is about. Even after handing him over to the Association, there's been no update on what they've uncovered."
Siwoo's eyes sharpened.
"They could've saved time just handing him to me. Isn't the interrogation dragging on too much?"
"What?"
Director Kim's face turned troubled.
The Association's interrogation process was indeed slow, bound by procedure.
He glanced at Siwoo's expression before replying.
"Well... procedures being what they are..."
"...It's got Mr. Choi Minseok pretty pissed off."
Director Kim's complexion shifted at Siwoo's offhand remark.
His eyes blazed.
'The nerve. Who does he think he is? He knows I'm tight with Representative Han!'
He'd already convinced himself deep down that he and Representative Han were close allies.
Choi Minseok's anger meant Miracle Management's dissatisfaction—which spelled risk to his own performance record.
"...These idiots. How the hell do they get anything done!"
Director Kim slammed his desk.
"Understood. I'll get him transferred to you by tomorrow somehow. Don't worry! I'll handle the custody handover myself."
Siwoo lifted the corner of his mouth in a faint smile.
Connections were only as good as they were useful.
"Thank you. But that's not why I'm here today."
"Right, of course. Another matter?"
"Actually, I'm planning to relocate the office."
"...The office?"
"Yes. The team's growing, and there are security concerns."
"There've been murmurs in the Association about that too. With three S-ranks on your roster, isn't the current place too rundown?"
Director Kim nodded.
S-rank hunters were national assets.
Having them frequent a shabby commercial building was an anxiety point for the Association as well.
"Yes. And I have a vision in mind that calls for at least three floors."
"Perfect timing. I was worried you might not be planning a move. We can broker a building through the Association."
"...Already?"
Siwoo asked in genuine surprise, and Director Kim puffed up proudly.
"Yes. I mentioned it before—from our perspective, an S-rank haunt being so flimsy was a problem. So we prepped one ahead."
Director Kim pulled a tablet PC from his drawer and showed it to Siwoo.
"Impressively quick."
"Haha! It's three stories, right in Gangnam—no commute needed. Top-tier security, even an underground training ground. Miracle Management won't sweat the rent; move-in ready."
Siwoo nodded in satisfaction at the building's exterior on the screen.
Conditions far exceeded expectations.
A standalone three-story building smack in central Gangnam.
With the building deal settled, Siwoo raised the final topic.
"Actually, we're looking to establish an MCN under the management company."
"Pardon? MCN?"
Director Kim blinked at the unfamiliar term.
"It's for Lee Chaei, our newest signee."
"...Ah, her."
"Yes. I assessed she's not cut out for fieldwork."
Siwoo paused to choose his words.
"So... you're thinking of putting an awakener on broadcasts?"
"Exactly. Direct people-facing work seems too much. Internet streaming might suit her fine."
Director Kim stroked his chin, deep in thought.
"Then I can assist there too. Anything awakener-related needs Association approval. No precedent, but..."
"I'm asking for too much."
Siwoo put on an apologetic air, but Director Kim waved it off.
"Haha! Nonsense. Could even be a positive step."
Director Kim grew unusually serious.
"No awakener's gotten streaming approval yet. Lately, some A- and B-rank hunters are stirring up noise chasing acting gigs..."
"Yeah, I've seen that."
"Time to greenlight internet broadcasts, no? The world's changing. I'll push it through. 'Hunter popularization' as the banner makes convincing easy."
"Then I'll trust you with it."
"Yes, until next time, Representative Han."
With that exchange concluded, Siwoo exited the Association building, thoroughly pleased.
He'd come with three objectives.
Securing Red's custody, office relocation, MCN establishment permit.
He'd hoped to snag one or two as priorities.
But Director Kim's eager cooperation netted promises for all three—far quicker than anticipated.
Siwoo knew his own rise was propelling Director Kim Youngsik upward.
Still, this level of zeal caught him off guard.
'Didn't expect him to be this cooperative.'
This exceeded even his calculations.
But it wasn't a bad turn.
"Well, good's good."
Siwoo hopped into his car with light steps.
His fingers drummed a rhythm on the wheel.
Everything felt perfectly on track.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ The next day, Siwoo was in the cramped office, approving documents as usual.
Bzzz.
His phone rang.
The caller: Director Kim Youngsik.
"Hello, Han Siwoo speaking."
[Ah, Representative Han. Had lunch yet?]
"Yeah, somewhat. What's up?"
Truth be told, a call from Director Kim in under a day was unexpected.
The Association was infamous for glacial processing.
Fast meant three days; slow, a week.
'No way he wrapped everything already.'
Yet the receiver carried Director Kim's brimming confidence, only deepening Siwoo's curiosity.
[Haha! Everything we discussed—I can deliver it all.]
"Already?"
Siwoo's eyebrow twitched.
[Yes. Red's ready at 2 PM today. Gangnam office contract faxed over. MCN incorporation permit sent by courier—should arrive any minute.]
Director Kim chattered excitedly, like a child awaiting praise.
But the substance was anything but light.
Siwoo listened anew, surprise etched on his face.
He'd pegged the man as a mere sycophant or opportunist.
'...Is this guy actually competent?'
People couldn't be judged by looks alone, Siwoo mused.
Clear motivation turning an incompetent boss capable?
Or had Siwoo's stature elevated that far?
"Good work. I'll buy you a meal soon."
[Hahaha! Can't wait!]
Siwoo hung up and rose from his seat.
Progress was swifter than planned.
No time to dawdle.
Time to interrogate Red and inspect the new office.
He grabbed his coat from the rack, prepping to head out.
At that moment, Kim Yaeun—who'd been lounging on the sofa—sprang up like she'd been waiting.
"Where to? Take me too...!"
She bounded over to Siwoo, eyes sparkling like a puppy wagging its tail.
Siwoo fixed her with a wordless stare.
His gaze silently pressed: what trouble now?
Kim Yaeun guiltily averted her eyes, mumbling evasively.
"...I haven't caused any trouble lately."
"......"
"Really..."
She pouted, peeking at his reaction.
Fidgeting fingers and darting eyes—pure picture of a kid dreading a scolding.
Siwoo snorted softly.
She had been on her best behavior lately.
Dead quiet since demolishing that Association building.
Anyway, he'd need her for Red's interrogation.
"Yeah, let's go."
Siwoo nodded his approval, and her face lit up instantly.
Her eyes went wide.
"Yes!"
She answered with gusto.
She crammed on her sneakers in a flash and trailed after Siwoo.