Chapter 40
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 40
Chapter Title: Thunder Emperor (4)
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That's how I ended up receiving all sorts of things from the Thunder Emperor.
At first, I wondered why he was giving me some of this stuff, but after getting a few items that were exactly what I needed most, I couldn't help but be thrilled.
The thing I liked best was the hero suit.
The Hero Association was supposed to provide one anyway, but he said this one would be made from far better materials than theirs.
And it wasn't just durable against tears—it was infused with various superpowers for automatic repairs and designed to withstand extreme conditions. For me, it was an offer I couldn't refuse.
On top of that, there was the compensation money...
This guy would be the perfect man if not for his name...
"That's why the young master prefers to be called the Thunder Emperor."
"I'll call you Thunder Emperor from now on."
"No, that makes it sound like my name is Thunder Emperor..."
The Thunder Emperor muttered with an exasperated look.
"Well... I don't particularly like being called by that name, but it's the one my parents gave me."
"Hmm..."
"So, are you satisfied with the rewards?"
Satisfied?
It was way beyond just satisfied.
"You sure it's okay to give me this much?"
I'd gotten a ton of money and a bunch of gear that would help with hero work.
The Hero Association had only made me a hero; they hadn't offered any other help. This felt like he was covering all of that.
I hadn't expected this level of generosity.
"This is nothing compared to what you've given me, so don't worry about it. I've gained far more from this than what I've handed over."
Huh?
I don't remember giving him anything...
"Gathering data from a fight with an Overwhelming-grade powerhouse is huge. Thanks to you, I actually feel like I might not lose this time."
"For reference, at the last national exchange, you said the same thing after sparring with the Association Chairman... and then you lost."
"...Why do you have to do me like that...?"
"My apologies."
Her words must have stung, as he made a sad face.
"Anyway... Getting the data was great, but honestly, I have no idea how to use it."
"Huh? Why?"
"Why? If any attack had worked on you, I could train to counter that specifically. But nothing I threw at you landed."
He looked genuinely disappointed, wondering if he'd ever figure out how to handle an Overwhelming-grade like this.
After a moment, he glanced my way and asked cautiously.
"Could you maybe keep fighting me until the next exchange?"
"What?"
Suddenly?
A one-off spar was no big deal, but doing it repeatedly would eat up a lot of my time...
"I'm not asking for free, of course. I'll compensate you properly—like paying you each time, commensurate with the effort..."
Money, huh...
Honestly, it didn't appeal that much anymore.
If it had been right after the fight, I might've jumped at cash, but now that I'd already gotten plenty...
"Hmmm... Most people would be thrilled at more money..."
"Nah, you don't need to go that far. Just being bros is enough for me."
Besides, participating in the national exchange was technically about representing South Korea to the world.
I could spar with him a few times without any compensation—it was the least I could do.
Refusing would make me seem petty.
"Whoa, I'm actually touched..."
"Over this?"
"Hey, gaining a good little bro is more than enough."
The Thunder Emperor chuckled.
"Then... could you do me one favor?"
"A favor?"
Suddenly?
"Want to fight right now?"
"Ooh... Not a bad idea, but that's not it."
Then what?
"Nothing major... Could you come with me?"
"Where?"
"Where else? The national exchange in America."
America?
'America...'
The main stage of the game story.
Did that mean the national exchange was part of the U.S. mainland storyline?
"Hmm..."
Probably best if I went...
If something happened during the exchange, I could step in... and check out whatever was going down firsthand. Sounded good.
"You sure it's okay to bring me along? No issues?"
"Huh? You're not competing—just tagging along to watch. What's the problem?"
Well, in that case...
"Sure, I'll go."
"Great. Now that my underclassman's coming, I gotta take it more seriously."
"Were you planning not to?"
"Just a figure of speech... Wait, you sound kinda like Hye-rin."
"Huh?"
Hye-rin...
"Must be your imagination."
I turned to the maid woman beside him, her expression as blank as ever.
Me sounding like her when I talk?
"I was trying to look cool in front of my underclassman, you know?"
"And yet that underclassman just utterly thrashed you."
"Hye-rin... Shut it."
"Yes, sir."
They really get along.
And so, following Hye-rin's guidance, I entered a room.
I wasn't sure what this place was at first, but since it was late, the Thunder Emperor had told me to crash here for the night, and she'd shown me in.
Stepping inside, I was greeted by a space that put most hotel rooms to shame.
No, it had to be better than a hotel room.
It was called a "room," but it looked like a whole house.
Not content with being huge, it even had stairs leading to a second floor?
Reinforced glass everywhere gave it an open feel, and the massive windows offered a clear view of the city below.
It felt like all of Seoul's buildings were at my feet.
'Whoa...'
Never thought I'd end up in a place like this outside of dramas.
'He said he'd handle everything else...'
Someone owning a building like this probably delegates the details to underlings anyway.
Either way, it was great news that I didn't have to handle everything myself from start to finish.
For hero gear and suit, he'd call me later once the design was set.
Since it was custom-made, they couldn't whip it up instantly. But once the design was finalized, it'd be done quickly—no need to worry.
As long as I got it, I didn't care.
I did have some design preferences, but I wanted something functional for easy movement, so I requested that style.
You know... like those famous real-world heroes.
In local terms, something with an Overwhelming vibe.
They'd sort a design and show me later—no rush.
I pulled out my phone.
'Whoa...'
But right now, this was more important.
Checking the banking app, I saw a number I could've never dreamed of before.
The Hero Association payout had felt huge, but this from the Thunder Emperor was way more.
Now I could say I had money without shame.
Hundreds of millions for one fight.
'Thanks, big bro...'
I was finally free from financial woes...
And with hero work requiring so much gear, him offering full support? How could I not be thrilled?
Plus...
'Sleeping in a place like this...'
Spending the night in a luxurious room atop a Seoul skyscraper.
He'd handed me the keys, saying do whatever I wanted for the day.
The food here was insanely pricey—stuff even I could barely imagine—and everything screamed luxury.
'Wow...'
Is this the leisure of the truly rich?
Room service at a snap, free gourmet meals, anything goes...
'...Should I fight him more?'
He seemed eager for more data. Sparring extra could let me stay longer, right?
The comfort had me thinking that way without realizing.
Usually, even luxury spots feel less comfy than home.
'Gotta move soon.'
My current place was from my broke days.
With this cash, I could afford a decent human dwelling—even in Seoul.
This money could snag a real room, not a closet.
Lots to do once I head out.
"Haaah..."