Chapter 106
Chapter 106
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: penny
Chapter: 106
Chapter Title: An Unexpected S-Rank Partner
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Deep within the main Hunter Association building.
Jeong-hyeon entered a stark room with Nam-sik, containing nothing but a metal chair and table, reminiscent of an interrogation room from a movie or drama.
He had followed Nam-sik, who had come to greet him at the entrance, and suddenly found himself here. It felt utterly unfamiliar.
According to Nam-sik, it was necessary for security measures to prevent eavesdropping or information leaks, but what kind of request required such precautions?
'Even when we took on the Kwak Chae-jun case, it wasn't this extreme.'
Of course, with Ye-rin involved, she might have bent a few rules regardless of secrecy.
But the atmosphere suggested this was something even more important.
Anyway, once Nam-sik and Jeong-hyeon were both seated, the conversation began.
Nam-sik spoke first.
"Hunter, may I ask what your level is?"
"Level 4."
He would soon reach level 5, but for now, it was level 4 regardless.
Jeong-hyeon didn't think it was particularly surprising information, but upon hearing it, Nam-sik let out a sigh of relief.
"Phew, that's a relief. It was worth bringing you on board, Jeong-hyeon Hunter."
'What? Is he picking a fight?'
Nam-sik surely had no such intention, but the reaction was oddly puzzling.
Level 4 wasn't that high, after all.
However, the proposal Nam-sik made next was something Jeong-hyeon had never imagined.
"Would you be interested in hunting with another S-Rank hunter?"
"Pardon?"
An S-Rank hunter, out of nowhere.
Forget like or dislike—he was simply stunned.
He had assumed they would cross paths someday, but he thought it was still far in the future.
He didn't know much about S-Ranks, and he imagined they were tackling powerful monsters in gates he couldn't even dream of entering.
"Well... I'm fine with it, but what does that have to do with levels?"
"Ah, it's a bit complicated to explain."
"Let's hear it."
It was about an S-Rank, after all.
He wanted to hear whatever it was.
'That's why they brought me to a room with such tight security.'
It had seemed excessive just for a chat.
"Actually, there's an S-Rank magic-type hunter who joined the association a little earlier than you, Hunter Jeong-hyeon. They're still level 4."
"An S-Rank at level 4 hunting in level 4 gates?"
Jeong-hyeon asked with a puzzled expression.
He himself felt capable of handling level 5 gates, or even level 6 if he pushed it.
His guess was that an S-Rank would have even greater initial burst potential than him, so they could stably clear level 6 gates.
Nam-sik nodded as if understanding Jeong-hyeon's point.
"Yes. Normally, S-Ranks at level 4 hunt around level 6 gates. But this hunter has... special circumstances."
"Special circumstances?"
Jeong-hyeon swallowed hard, waiting for Nam-sik's response.
Perhaps their trait was weak early on, like his.
Or maybe some unimaginable restriction unique to S-Ranks.
Honestly, these were people even other hunters only knew through rampant rumors, so any circumstances wouldn't be too shocking.
However, Nam-sik's explanation was enough to surprise even Jeong-hyeon, who had braced himself.
"They're... a bit of a coward."
"......?"
"That's why they avoid entering high-level gates."
Jeong-hyeon thought for a moment that he had misheard.
'A coward? An S-Rank?'
Of course, levels of courage varied by person.
Even among actively hunting hunters, some were braver than others.
But that difference only affected preferences for certain gates.
For example, many hunters avoided creepy atmospheres like the ones in 'Withered Dead's Corridor' or 'Cursed Castle,' which Jeong-hyeon had cleared.
However, any hunter fundamentally felt no fear in killing monsters themselves.
Whether due to the system's influence or something else.
"What do you mean by coward?"
"Exactly that. They have a gentle nature, so they hesitate to kill monsters. And they fear threats from monsters."
'Good grief...'
It was absurd no matter how he thought about it.
An S-Rank was a top predator in the ecosystem of hunters and monsters.
Monsters would fear an S-Rank hunter, not the other way around.
Even a cornered rat bites a cat, but a cat fearing a rat?
'They're too comfortable.'
Honestly, it left a poor impression on Jeong-hyeon.
He had desperately wanted to become a hunter to avenge his parents.
Ten years since gates and monsters appeared.
Break management was solid now, with almost no civilian casualties, but just a few years ago, entire cities were occasionally wiped out.
How many people alive today hadn't lost family or friends to monsters?
Yet an S-Rank too scared to properly hunt them.
'If that's the case, give the trait to me.'
It wasn't unreasonable for Jeong-hyeon to think that way.
With just one S-Rank trait, he could sweep through level 6 gates right now.
Meanwhile, oblivious to Jeong-hyeon's inner thoughts, Nam-sik continued.
"The association has been pairing them with other S-Rank hunters to support their growth... but recently, they reached level 5. And they've strongly insisted on hunting at their own pace from now on. So we need to find a new partner."
"You're asking me to be that partner?"
"Exactly."
Nam-sik nodded.
Confirming his guess, Jeong-hyeon rubbed his forehead with one hand.
It wasn't even a grand deduction.
Nam-sik's tone had made it obvious.
'Becoming a nanny out of nowhere...'
That didn't mean he liked the idea.
He fully understood the S-Rank's desire to hunt at their own pace.
Being stuck in gates far below one's ability must feel suffocating.
Fun like a game at first, but not after a day or two.
"Could I at least learn some info about them before deciding?"
"I'm sorry. We can only share S-Rank info with those directly involved. We can tell you only if you accept the job."
"Then there's no reason for me to take it."
No info, but do the job anyway.
No need to keep listening.
It seemed like shackles with no benefits.
As he pushed his chair back to stand, Nam-sik urgently reached out to stop him.
"We can't share info! But we still have a proposal to offer!"
"A proposal?"
"We wouldn't ask a hunter for a favor with no benefits, would we?"
"Hmm..."
He should have led with that.
Jeong-hyeon sat back down and looked at Nam-sik.
Like, show your cards.
"Try hunting with them once first, then decide if you want to continue as partners."
"That's a given."
"And if you take it on, you'll get 100 million per joint hunt. An extra 1 billion if they level up. Plus 5 million added per level for hunt allowances."
Jeong-hyeon's eyebrow twitched.
100 million.
Clearing a level 4 gate for 100 million beat most level 5 gates financially.
Plus, that timid S-Rank was still S-Rank; a few more runs and they'd level up.
"There must be a limit per period, right?"
"Once a month. You can cancel for personal hunts, of course."
Not bad so far.
Once a month—not even weekly—practically a vacation.
And the pay was solid.
He wondered why the previous partner refused under the same terms.
S-Ranks probably weren't short on cash, so other reasons, sure.
Jeong-hyeon pondered Nam-sik's words.
'Might as well push for more.'
Good terms, but likely not the association's best offer.
The association was a national agency, after all.
Hunt pay sounded more like a guild pitch.
There had to be unique association perks beyond money.
Those appealed more to him than cash.
"The offer's good, but I don't need money anymore."
And it was true.
Once he finished his upcoming level-up, his business would kick off properly.
No need to take on restrictions for extra cash now.
"I figured as much..."
Nam-sik nodded, as if expecting it.
After a moment's thought, he opened his mouth with a serious gaze, as if resolved.
"I heard you opened a gate office."
"Yes."
Jeong-hyeon nodded.
He had applied through the association, so no surprise.
Here comes the real offer.
"If you take them as a partner, we'll permit joint activities—with their consent, of course."
"Deal."
Jeong-hyeon nodded immediately, without questions, as if he'd been waiting.
'Time to start raising an S-Rank hunter.'
Timid?
Kind-hearted?
All that could be molded.
"Of course, they're contracted to the association. They'd only be dispatched to your HJH Gate Office for legitimate business—"
"Ah, that's fine. So if they agree, they can work with me?"
"Yes, but..."
Nam-sik hurriedly added more, unprepared for Jeong-hyeon's quick acceptance.
He had proposed within approved limits from above, but a once-uncooperative negotiator agreeing instantly felt like a loss.
'Like he missed something, or it could be exploited badly, right?'
Of course, Nam-sik's worries wouldn't come true.
Jeong-hyeon wouldn't risk offending the association.
'If he clears problematic mission gates, the association would welcome it.'
Anyway, thinking of a useful new employee, Jeong-hyeon grinned.
"Let's draft the contract first, then get their info. Oh, can I meet them right away?"
"Pardon? Ah, yes... they're at the association now."
Nam-sik wiped his profuse sweat and nodded.
Should have negotiated harder.
But the regret was brief.
Negotiating with S-Ranks always meant concessions.
Offending them risked them defecting abroad—a disaster.
Nam-sik pulled a contract from a document envelope.
Watching, Jeong-hyeon smirked inwardly.
'All within expectations.'
Even with S-Ranks as the top dogs, the association tried to minimize losses.
Though operating on tight national budgets, unlike profit-driven private guilds.
The contract matched their discussion.
'Name... Choi Ji-hee?'
The name on the contract: Choi Ji-hee.
It detailed pay for joint hunts and dispatch to HJH Gate Office.
Satisfactory terms for Jeong-hyeon; he added minor clauses, and they signed.
"Alright, let's go meet Hunter Choi Ji-hee!"
Finishing his signature, Jeong-hyeon stood energetically.
He couldn't help feeling excited to meet a potential honorary employee of HJH Gate Office—an S-Rank hunter.