Chapter 42, The Assault Incident.
Chapter 42, The Assault Incident.
"Oppa, the warning light's on."
Gyeong-ah, sitting in the passenger seat, pointed at the dashboard with her finger.
An orange light was flickering precariously.
Good thing we stopped for gas on the way out.
If I'd just hopped in the car for work on a weekday without thinking, I would've broken down right in the middle of the road.
"We'll be there soon, so let's fill up there."
"Is that the cheapest place?"
"Yeah. Opinet always says it's the cheapest around here."
I pulled out my smartphone from my pocket while waiting at the signal.
When I showed it to Gyeong-ah, she was amazed, saying she'd never even known something like this existed.
Opinet.
The fuel price info app run by the Korea National Oil Corporation.
Honestly, for someone like me who just swipes a corporate card, I don't need to sweat a few hundred won...
But hey, it's taxpayer money—gotta save where we can.
"Opinet?"
Gyeong-ah tilted her head and peered at my phone screen.
She was squinting for some reason.
"Yeah. It's an app that finds you the cheapest gas prices."
"Opi... net..."
Gyeong-ah mumbled the word, chewing on it with her lips.
What's so weird about it?
"Somehow... the name sounds kinda off."
"What?"
"No, like... 'opi' kinda..."
Gyeong-ah trailed off, her gaze wavering.
It finally hit me what she was getting at.
If you've ever wandered adult video sites, you've probably seen promo banners for seedy spots at least once.
That's why I got it right away.
"Wow, when did our pure, sweet Gyeong-ah turn so corrupted?"
"Wh-what?! That's not it!"
"This oppa is seriously disappointed in you. How could you hear the name of a wholesome public service app and jump to dirty thoughts? You been on the internet too much lately or what?"
"Ah, I said it's not like that! It's just the vibe of the word!"
She'd even begged oppa to fuck her...
Looks like our Gyeong-ah's turning into a total perv bit by bit.
Her face turned beet red as she huffed and puffed.
Then she cleared her throat fake-like and turned her gaze out the window.
I kept teasing her playfully a bit longer, enjoying the sibling drive time.
A little while later, after passing the intersection and turning right, an orange-signed gas station came into view.
This was the cheapest spot in the neighborhood, even if it was just 10 won cheaper per liter.
I pulled up to the pump.
The second the car stopped, Gyeong-ah bolted out like she was escaping.
"I, I'm gonna hit the bathroom real quick!"
"Yeah, okay. Hurry back."
I shook my head watching her scamper off.
No way our little chat got her wet down there, right?
Left alone, I turned off the engine and hit the fuel door button under the driver's seat.
With a dull clunk, the fuel door popped open.
I got out, unscrewed the cap, and stuck in the nozzle.
'Let's see... full, full, full.'
I tapped the touchscreen to pay.
The motor hummed, and gas started flowing in.
I stared blankly at the numbers climbing on the pump.
Weirdly addictive to watch.
That's when a pretty hefty exhaust growl announced a white Audi rolling into the station.
Sleek body, polished to a mirror shine—clearly well-maintained.
The Audi pulled up to the pump behind my car.
Driver's door swung open, and a guy stepped out.
Age? Early to mid-20s at most?
Flashy designer tee, gold chain necklace and all.
But what really stood out was the dagger sheath hanging from his belt.
'Hunter, huh. Lucky bastard.'
Civilians can't carry that stuff around.
Only licensed hunters can openly pack weapons in the city.
The guy grabbed the nozzle like it was routine and jammed it into his car.
Up to there, all good.
Chiiik.
Then he fished out a cigarette and lighter from his pocket...
And lit up.
I couldn't believe my eyes.
You know where we are?
A gas station.
Lighting up where fuel vapors are floating around?
"Fuuu..."
He exhaled the smoke like he was savoring every bit.
My head spun for a second.
Even a total idiot wouldn't...
This was way beyond common sense.
What if it explodes or something?
"Excuse me, sir?"
I called out as politely as I could.
He turned his head like I was a huge annoyance.
"Could you put out the cigarette? This is a gas station."
Totally reasonable request.
But his reaction? Out of this world.
He furrowed his brow, stuck the cig back in his mouth.
"What the fuck, man? Who the hell are you to tell me what to do?"
"Huh?"
Why the sudden profanity?
Fucking hell.
"You look about my age, but acting all high and mighty. I'm paying with my money to smoke my cig—who's it hurting? Fuck off."
He waved me away dismissively.
I was so flabbergasted, words failed me.
"No, sir, this is a gas station. Fuel vapors—if it catches fire..."
"Ah, fuck off! It won't catch! You're bad luck, yelling like that."
He barked at me.
Gyeong-ah, coming out of the bathroom, jumped at the yell and came running.
"O, Oppa? What's going on?"
She grabbed my sleeve, face full of fear.
"No big deal. That guy's smoking at the gas station."
"Sm-smoking? Here?"
Gyeong-ah's eyes went wide.
Anyone could see it was insane.
"Mind your business and fuck off, yeah? Don't ruin my mood."
The guy scanned us siblings up and down, smirking.
Gyeong-ah hid behind me, trembling.
"Oppa, let's just go... I'm scared."
Her voice shook.
Hunters are terrifying to civilians by nature.
Especially some reckless asshole like this.
"Gyeong-ah, get in the car."
"Huh? But..."
"It's fine. Go on, quick."
At my firm look, she hesitated then backed toward the car.
She kept glancing back worriedly, but I waved her in.
Car door shut with a thud.
Now we could talk freely.
I fixed my gaze back on the guy.
"Seriously, it'll catch fire. Put it out."
"Ha, this fucker won't take a hint. What if I don't? What're you gonna do? What can you even do?"
He took a deep drag, then blew smoke right in my face.
Stinging cig smoke hit my nose and eyes.
'Ugh...'
I coughed.
He snickered at the sight.
"Riding around in a Ray, huh. Know your place."
Hey, what's wrong with my Ray?
In Korea—especially Seoul—light cars get their own parking spots and half-off public lots. Best ride around.
And what can I do?
Plenty, actually.
I eyed the Audi behind him.
Front windshield had a phone number sticker.
'010-XXXX-XXXX'
Pulled out my phone.
Opened the [Hunter Integrated Management System] app.
Input the plate and number, hit search.
Loading spinner whirled, then info popped up.
[Name: Kim Jae-hwi]
[Age: 23]
[Rank: D-Class Hunter]
[Affiliation: None]
Two years younger than me.
And D-Class.
D-Class means just a bit tougher than a regular joe.
They can get firearm permits, but no real skills—just a strong normal guy.
'But an Audi?'
Maintaining that on a D-Class income? Tight squeeze.
Either daddy's money or dirty work.
Not my business either way.
As I checked my phone, Kim Jae-hwi scowled.
"What? Staring at something?"
Fuu.
More smoke blasted my face.
I sighed, switched to camera.
Framed it up naturally.
Pump, nozzle plugged in, Kim Jae-hwi with cig in mouth.
Clear plate.
Click.
Shutter snapped crisply.
His eyebrow twitched.
"It's the weekend, so no immediate processing. It'll go to the National Petition Office on Monday."
I said flatly, checking the pic.
"You know smoking in a gas station violates the Safety Control of Dangerous Substances Act, right? Hefty fine. Up to 5 million won."
Explained it nicely.
Hey, I'm a complaints desk civil servant after all.
"You'll get a registered letter at home on a weekday."
Finished up and turned away without lingering.
Tank was full.
Yanked the nozzle, hung it back, capped it.
Done here.
Thwack!
Rough hand grabbed my shoulder.
Packed some real force.
"You fucking prick. Wanna die? Want a beating?!"
Kim Jae-hwi bellowed, veins popping.
What the—lunging at me now?
"Delete the pic! Delete it now! Invasion of portrait rights, you know that?!"
"Took it for evidence. If you're innocent, file an objection."
"You fucking lunatic!"
Kim Jae-hwi reached for my collar.
Reflexively slapped his wrist away.
Lighter smack than expected.
"Huh...?"
He stared at his wrist, stunned.
Couldn't believe a civilian blocked a hunter.
I'm not fully civilian—D-Class Awakened myself.
"You just tried to grab my collar, right? That's assault, plain and simple."
"This bastard really wants to die!"
His eyes went berserk.
Clenched fist, swung straight at my face.
D-Class punch with mana.
Hit it, and my jaw shatters, teeth fly easy.
But.
Whoosh.
I just leaned my head back a tad.
Mana-charged fist whistled past my nose.
'Huh?'
Dodged it.
It was... slower than I thought.
Wait, or am I faster?
Kim Jae-hwi stumbled, off-balance.
Stared at me in disbelief.
"You, what the hell are you?"
I backpedaled quick, creating distance.
Safety first.
Glanced around.
CCTV in the station ceiling corner—perfect view.
Grabbed phone again.
112?
Nah.
He's a hunter.
Hunter crimes don't go to regular cops—there's a proper place.
Hit the red emergency button at the bottom of the integrated app.
[Emergency Dispatch Request]
[Target: Management Bureau Civil Servant]
[Location: GPS Coordinates Sent]
'Confirm.'
Clicked without hesitation.
No call needed.
One button, and the Enforcement Unit's 5-minute response team gets auto-dispatched.
[Request Received.]
[Dispatched.]
Pocketed the phone after the popup.
Walked to the trunk, hit the key. Click.
Trunk popped—there was my emergency Expandable Baton.
Civil servants in complaints get permission to carry them for self-defense.
Job comes with risks.
Kim Jae-hwi flinched seeing me pull a weapon.
But still hadn't clocked the situation.
"Wh-what? Who'd you call? Got connections?"
"You just assaulted a Management Bureau civil servant. You're under arrest for obstructing official duties and violating the Hunter Law."
I pointed the baton, enunciating clearly.
Was just gonna report the smoking, but shit escalated.
"Stop all actions immediately, kneel, hands clasped behind your head. This is your warning."
"F-Fuck that! Civil servant? If you're a civil servant, I'm the president, asshole!"
Kim Jae-hwi blustered, clenching his fist again.
But his eyes shook with unease.
This wasn't some quiet country road—heart of Gangnam.
Weekend crowds everywhere.
Onlookers already gathering around the station.
"That guy's what? Hunter with a knife, right?"
"Caught smoking at the gas station."
"Crazy fucker? What if it blows?"
"That one's a civil servant. Management Bureau."
"Whoa, hunter hitting a civil servant? Life over."
"Retard."
Whispers reached Kim Jae-hwi's ears too.
Some bold citizens chimed in.
"Hey, kid! Just do what he says! Don't make it worse!"
"Cops are coming! Stay put!"
Kim Jae-hwi's face flushed as red as Gyeong-ah's.
Pride stung, situation turning against him.
Can't run—car's here. Can't fight—too many eyes.
Pathetic, frozen in place. Kinda hilarious.
Then—
Screeech!
Two black Starex vans screeched into the station.
Doors flew open, black tactical gear guys poured out.
Clear [Management Bureau] patches on their chests.
Hands full of hunter-restraint mana cuffs, taser guns, batons.
"There! Surround him!"
"""Yes sir!"""
At the squad leader's shout, they boxed Kim Jae-hwi in seconds.
He gawked, dumbfounded.
"D-Class Hunter Kim Jae-hwi! You're under arrest for assaulting a civil servant! Cease resistance and surrender immediately!"
"Any resistance, and you'll be treated as a non-human monster and summarily executed!"
Executed.
That word hits different.
Means no legal fallout for killing you.
He slowly unclenched his fist.
Ptui.
Spit on the ground, then knelt slowly.
Kept the defiant glare to save face.
Enforcement guys swarmed, slammed him down.
Clink.
Mana-blocking cuffs on his wrists.
Black blindfold over his eyes.
'Lately, this shit happens way too often.'
Sigh, even the weekend's ruined. Tough life.
Situation cleared, the Squad Leader approached me.
"You okay, sir?"
We knew each other.
Saw him often around the office—the Enforcement Unit Squad Leader.
"Yeah, fine. Thanks to you guys, I'm alive."
"What the hell happened? Ruining your weekend rest. Emergency code popped up—shocked me."
"Tell me about it. Just came for gas and ran into this mess."
Explained the whole thing.
Smoking, fine notice, assault attempt.
He clicked his tongue nonstop.
"End times, man. Where's a D-Class get that balls from?"
"Haha..."
From an A-Class Hunter like the Squad Leader, yeah, D-Class look small.
But I'm not even a hunter, so just laughed.
"Anyway, we'll file the full report. See you Monday."
"Yeah, thanks for the hard work."
He saluted and left.
Enforcement vans peeled out with wailing sirens.
Onlookers dispersed.
Folded the Expandable Baton, pocketed it, headed back to the car.
Knock knock.
Tapped the window; Gyeong-ah cracked the door cautiously.
"Oppa..."
"What? Eyes all misty?"
"Got a little scared... More importantly, you okay? Not hurt?"
"Huh? From what?"
"That guy's fist earlier..."
"Didn't hit me. You know oppa's got good reflexes."
"You? Good reflexes? ...Well, glad you're not hurt..."
Gyeong-ah sighed in relief.
I chuckled at that and started the engine.
Pulling out, glanced in the rearview.
Empty pump had just Kim Jae-hwi's cig butt lying there.
Guess the Enforcement Unit towed his car too.
"..."
Grip tightened on the wheel.
Truth is, I was a bit shocked too.
When Kim Jae-hwi swung, time felt slow.
Like I could see the arc clear as day.
D-Class physicals crush civilians.
Yet I dodged it.
Luck?