Chapter 55
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 55
Chapter Title: American Hunter Bureau (4)
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American Hunter Bureau.
(4)
Bzzz.
'...'
Bzzz. Bzzz.
The insistent vibration from beside his bed drilled into his eardrums.
Si-woo squinted at the time.
6 a.m.
Confirming the hour, he fumbled with his smartphone, still half-asleep, and unlocked it.
The caller ID showed an unknown number.
"Hello."
His throat was still wrecked, his voice coming out rough like he'd swallowed metal shavings.
[Ah, hello!]
The voice on the other end was bright and clear, belonging to a woman.
"Who is this."
[Sorry to call so early. This is Elena, scout from the American Hunter Bureau, calling for CEO Han Si-woo.]
'...The one Chang-gi mentioned.'
[Could you spare a moment? I know it's early, but I had to ask.]
The arrogance Baek Chang-gi and Kim Ye-eun had described was nowhere to be found.
She sounded like she was walking on thin ice, extremely cautious.
"...Go ahead."
[Thank you! I know your throat isn't well, so I'll keep this short.]
"Okay."
[First, I bow my head in apology for all the rudeness and impropriety from the American Hunter Bureau. It was undeniably inappropriate, with no excuses.]
"...You're apologizing, not the director."
[I've been given full authority. You can take my words as the official stance of the AHB. If you don't believe me, the director will come personally to explain.]
"Alright, got it for now."
[I know it's shameless, but I beg you once more. Please attend the World Hunter Conference. Without you, CEO Han Si-woo, the conference loses all meaning. Please, just give me a chance to meet and explain.]
Desperation seeped into Elena's voice.
Why were they clinging to him so desperately?
Why were they so eager to get him to America as soon as possible?
Everything was a mystery, but one thing was clear.
'They need me.'
Si-woo spoke with a faint smile.
"Come to Miracle headquarters at 3 p.m. I'll hear you out."
[Thank you!! Really, thank you!]
"But if it's the same as before, my answer will be the same."
[Yes! Understood!]
**
3 p.m.
Si-woo was flipping through documents in his CEO office, pen in hand nonstop.
The moment he lifted his teacup for a sip of coffee.
Knock, knock.
A crisp knock sounded.
"Come in."
With Si-woo's permission, the door opened, and Elena entered the CEO office.
"Nice to meet you, CEO Han Si-woo!"
Elena bowed at a perfect, new-employee angle.
The courtesy born of threats and fear was her desperate plea.
"Yes, come on in, Elena."
"May I sit?!"
"...Sure."
Si-woo gestured to a seat with a bemused look.
He then sat on the sofa opposite her.
"As you know, I don't have time for a long talk... Let's get to the point."
"Yes! Got it!"
With stiff movements, she pulled a document folder from her handbag and opened it.
"The U.S. government promises the highest treatment we can offer. We'll provide a private jet equivalent to the president's. And during your stay, full safety, comfort, and authority beyond diplomatic immunity."
'Authority beyond diplomatic immunity?'
...They're going this far?
Si-woo's first thought upon hearing the last guarantee was unease.
Meaning, if—
Just if—Kim Ye-eun went wild, they'd handle everything.
'They'll regret it.'
But he kept it to himself, showing nothing.
"And if you consider relocating or expanding your business to the U.S., the director promised to double the salary on top of all previous conditions. If you set up a U.S. branch, we'll fund it entirely."
"...Entirely?"
"Yes! Say something on the level of Miracle headquarters—or better if you want!"
"Even if I say I want a skyscraper?"
"...Pardon?"
"......"
"Th-that's..."
"...Sorry. That was a bit much of a joke."
"...Huh?"
Finally catching on, Elena gave an awkward laugh with a blank expression.
"Ha, hahaha! A joke! Hahaha!"
Seeing her awkward laugh, Si-woo recalled the meeting in his office a few days ago.
He'd called all the S-ranks and stated his intent to go to America.
And if they wanted to come along, speak up.
Kim Ye-eun raised her hand first, followed by Baek Chang-gi's hearty laugh and raised hand.
Lee Ji-ah raised hers with resolute eyes.
Only Choi Min-seok held back.
He said he'd stay to guard the headquarters with Kim Yun-seo and Ji-yu.
Lee Ji-ah, Kim Ye-eun, Baek Chang-gi—three in total.
Glancing at Elena, Si-woo thought of deciding to go with them and feigned reluctance.
"What's the real intent."
"P-pardon?"
"You're just piling on conditions. Nothing's changed. You've given no convincing reason why I should go."
"...Ah."
'Now I get it.'
Si-woo stared at Elena, thinking.
She was just born with talent and looks.
That had always been enough; she'd thrived with it.
But beyond that, her negotiation skills were novice-level.
She hadn't even grasped the meaning of his words on the phone.
"The real reason you invited me to the WHC to get me to America."
"Th-that's..."
"Sigh... Elena."
"It's Flicker... and the Villain Alliance!"
'Knew it.'
Clozer's lab raid. And Flicker.
Thanks to Miracle's exploits, Flicker was detained by the association.
Then rumors about Si-woo started somehow.
Spreading detailed info no civilian should know, creating a pretext for them to reach out.
A clear scout pretext.
It was all too coincidental: Clozer's incident, Flicker in Korea... helping Clozer.
Right after detention, rumors spread, giving America justification to move.
It all unfolded like predetermined steps.
As if America had anticipated and known everything in advance.
"So?"
"A group called the Villain Alliance has emerged in the U.S., causing all sorts of incidents. An official announcement is coming soon, but we estimate their scale rivals a small nation."
'...Nation-scale?'
"Flicker was the most active in the U.S., raiding prisons nonstop, claiming freeing prisoners is like abolishing slavery, causing massive damage."
Elena swallowed hard, tense.
"Then we learned Flicker headed to Korea. While tracking him, we found out he was caught. That's when we learned of your involvement, CEO Han Si-woo, and acted. We sent the letter fastest—"
"And right when it arrived, the rumors started?"
"...Yes. Like someone planned it."
"Not you guys?"
"Absolutely not. Why would we? We'd whisk you away in secret if anything."
True enough.
They had covert means.
Elena denied vehemently, meaning a third party intervened.
Creating synergy with America's actions.
"Do you know how many states we have, CEO?"
"Yes."
"Fifty. But we have only 27 S-rank hunters. Covering all states with them is nearly impossible."
"And one just died recently."
"Yes. To be clear, we're not asking to take Flicker. What we want is truly your abilities, CEO Han Si-woo."
"......"
"If this continues, the Villain Alliance will spread worldwide. It'll be too late then. Clozer was already involved, wasn't he?"
"Isn't it already too late then?"
"We'll share all info on that. Everything. So please... come to America with me."
"......"
Elena had given her all.
Every bit of info she could, every condition.
Nothing more.
She swallowed dryly, gauging Si-woo's reaction.
His face was impassive, same as ever.
'...And he's handsome too.'
She'd met countless stars and hunters, but none this striking.
Then Si-woo nodded indifferently.
'Did it work?!'
"Elena."
"Yes!"
"One condition."
'I did it!!'
Elena's face lit up as she looked at him.
"Tell me. Anything!"
"I'm not going alone."
"Pardon? Ah!"
"A few people. That okay?"
Elena nodded brightly, not missing the chance.
"Of course! Plenty of seats for your entourage."
"...Entourage. Well, not wrong. See you at Incheon Airport tomorrow."
"Yes! Got it! See you then! I'll head out!"
Elena stood from the sofa, bowed 90 degrees, and darted out of the office.
Rushing before he changed his mind.
"...Feel kinda bad."
Si-woo muttered, staring at the empty door.
**
Two days later, Incheon International Airport.
The airport was packed, chaos reigning.
Terminal 2 fully controlled, association agents barricading the perimeter.
"Move it, kid!"
"That's my spot!"
"Get outta the way!"
The murmurs of thousands felt like a massive concert hall.
Hundreds of domestic and foreign media cameras aimed at the departure gate.
All holding their breath—then.
Heavy engine roars as four black sedans slid to a stop before the gate.
Thousands of flashes erupted, turning night to day.
Doors opened one by one, figures stepping out.
Choi Min-seok emerged first.
Then Baek Chang-gi, sunglasses on, signature arrogant smile, waving leisurely.
With Baek Chang-gi holding the door, Si-woo exited.
Neatly combed-back hair, perfectly fitted navy three-piece suit.
Bandages still around his neck, lending a fragile allure that enhanced his looks.
"Ugh! So damn loud!"
Kim Ye-eun, in black leather jacket instead of her usual slouchy clothes, fiddled with the red sword at her waist.
"Don't draw that."
At Baek Chang-gi's scolding, Lee Ji-ah stepped out last.
White coat, long hair swaying as she stood beside Si-woo.
With each step, mana rose like haze from her feet, ice crystals swirling.
It made her seem even more ethereal and noble.
"Whoa... insane..."
"Quit gawking and shoot!"
Si-woo at center: Baek Chang-gi left, Kim Ye-eun and Lee Ji-ah right.
Choi Min-seok following protectively behind.
"We'll hold down the fort, Boss."
"...Take care while I'm gone, Min-seok."
"Yes."
Si-woo turned and walked, tone flat as ever.
"Let's go. To America."
"Heh heh! This is gonna be fun as hell!"
"Ugh, shut it, old man!"
"You're loud too, Ye-eun."
"What'd you say."