Chapter 73
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: MJK
Chapter: 73
Chapter Title: Bunny's Crisis Code: Separation Activated
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Cheongwadae, Republic of Korea. Emergency National Security Council meeting.
Centered around the president were the ministers of each department, the director of the National Intelligence Service, and even Assemblyman Park Min-cheol.
Over ten top officials had gathered, but none dared to speak carelessly, all just watching the president's expression.
It was because of the top-priority diplomatic communique that had arrived from the White House.
"......So, the U.S. demands are clear. Punish those responsible for this incident and establish comprehensive safety measures for the areas where U.S. forces are stationed in Korea."
"Hm."
The president pressed his throbbing temple in response to the Foreign Minister's report.
"May I say something, sir?"
Park Min-cheol spoke up courageously.
"Do you have any countermeasures?"
"I'm sorry, Your Excellency. A thorough audit of the Hunter Management Bureau to ensure nothing like this happens again..."
"Wouldn't it be better not to spout such obvious nonsense?"
The president's cold remark froze the conference room air even further.
"With the U.S. coming on so strong, our current approach won't cut it."
Creak-
Right then, the conference room door opened, and a man walked in.
"Sorry I'm late, Your Excellency. I was just wrapping up countermeasures discussions with Valhalla."
It was Baek Si-hyung, the S-rank hunter and master of Valhalla, Korea's number one guild. Though retired from active duty, he still wielded immense influence as a key executive in the World Hunter Federation.
"Baek Si-hyung Hunter, speak."
"What the U.S. wants right now is a solid alternative."
"Expectations for the Management Bureau have already hit rock bottom. Even if we offer something, they won't buy it... Is the director going to strip naked on the spot or what?"
The bureau director in the corner shuddered.
"Do you realize that without Valhalla's help this time, Korea would be preparing for a full alliance rupture with the U.S.?"
"S-Sorry, Your Excellency!"
Baek Si-hyung stepped forward and handed a data pad to the president.
"Your Excellency, this is Valhalla's final countermeasure plan, discussed overnight to resolve this crisis. It includes installing permanent mana barriers around U.S. bases in Korea and a pact prioritizing our guild's rapid response team for any rifts in the capital region going forward."
The president took the pad and briefly looked impressed by its thorough, meticulous contents.
"Hm."
After scanning the documents, he spoke decisively, as if everything was already settled.
"The Management Bureau can no longer guarantee the trust of the people or our allies. Do you agree, Director?"
"......Yes."
The director replied in a feeble voice.
"Therefore, as of today, authority over rift management in the capital region and major metropolitan cities is delegated to Valhalla Guild."
"Y-Yes?!"
The director and Park Min-cheol went pale.
Having their core authority—the very reason for the bureau's existence—stripped away?
"Th-Then what happens to the Management Bureau?!"
"We're not delegating everything. Local small and medium cities and non-capital regions stay with the bureau. You can handle that much, right?"
"But, Your Excellency!"
As Park Min-cheol tried to protest, Baek Si-hyung continued.
"Your Excellency, this is a huge loss for us too. Deploying our elite forces and massive budgets for the nation without compensation."
"True. If Valhalla hadn't stumbled upon it by chance and handled it swiftly, who knows what would've happened. I hear the new tech artifacts used for this rift alone cost a fortune."
The [Asgard's Bind] Valhalla deployed this time was a next-gen wide-area suppression weapon not yet publicly revealed.
Perfectly timed for the crisis, it showcased Valhalla's tech prowess while highlighting the bureau's incompetence by contrast.
It was the perfect item for humblebragging.
"So, Your Excellency, we'd like one condition. How about delegating contaminated zone purification and management to Valhalla as well?"
"Contaminated zones?"
When the president asked back, Baek Si-hyung explained.
"Areas essentially neglected due to the bureau's poor management."
"That sounds like a hassle."
"Since we're taking rift management anyway, handling the root contaminated zones together is efficient. We can bear that much for the nation."
"Valhalla truly makes Korea feel secure."
The president smiled contentedly.
'What the hell is that fox saying now?'
Park Min-cheol's eyes widened.
The clueless bureau director didn't grasp it, but Park knew exactly.
The rare byproducts and data from dead lands.
That was the real jackpot.
Park's true aim in manipulating the bureau through Park Jin-su was to monopolize those contaminated zone profits via bribes and brokers.
'Efficient to manage together? Ha!'
A guild master like Baek Si-hyung couldn't be ignorant of that land's value.
"Wait, Your Excellency! Contaminated zones must remain under bureau authority for national security!"
Park made a final plea, but the president was icy.
As if decided, he skimmed the documents and cut him off.
"It's settled. Any objections, Director?"
"......None."
Park could only watch helplessly as the bureau's greatest power and profits were stripped away in broad daylight.
Valhalla Guild headquarters, top-floor sky lounge.
The guild was swept in festive mood.
It was a historic day—they'd secured rift management and contaminated zone authority.
"All thanks to Director No Tae-seop! To the director!"
As Yu Seo-jin raised her glass, all guild members cheered Old Man No's name.
Even objectively, his precise predictions and meticulous advice had made it possible.
Guild master Baek Si-hyung praised his contributions and promised generous rewards.
"Director No, you worked hard. Anything you want, just say it. The guild can provide whatever."
"Heh heh, then could you make the guild cafeteria food tastier? Us old folks don't digest well."
Laughter erupted across the lounge at Old Man No's jest.
"Excuse me a moment."
Ignoring the pouring praise, he calmly gazed out the window, sipping champagne.
One face floated in his mind.
'All this... thanks to Assistant Manager Jang.'
Beyond linking him to the new opportunity of Valhalla, he'd given him courage for a new life.
Without Kang-hyun, he'd have clung to his broken back, rotting in the sinking organization.
He wouldn't have dreamed of this second act.
"Director No."
Baek Si-hyung approached and handed him a small box.
"A small token from the guild for this. Bonuses will be hefty separately, of course."
"What's this?"
[Item: Ancient Dragon's Surveillance Eye]
Rank:Hero
Description:An artifact specialized for surveillance, allowing the wearer to view any desired area with the zone owner's permission.
A gem inside shimmered like a dragon's pupil.
"One of only three in Valhalla. Range isn't huge, but with your home on the outskirts, install it for safety. You can see every nook in your own property and pull up recordings from anywhere."
It was a rare item, hard to buy even with money, embodying the guild's tech.
Plus, a thoughtful gift considering Old Man No's situation.
"Thank you for the care."
Old Man No smiled awkwardly.
Recognized for his work, everyone sincerely celebrating.
A novel, pleasant sensation after 20 years.
Above all, he could continue rift management—his life's work—in the best environment.
One of those moments confirming he'd made the right call leaving the bureau for here.
And.
'Perfect gift for him.'
Now he could express some gratitude.
Saint Mary International School, 4th Grade Class A classroom.
Teacher Kim Soo-hyun sighed deeply at the papers on her desk.
[Jang So-ye, 11 years old.]
The transfer student for this semester's counseling.
Enrollment was set, so today's session was like a pre-enrollment meet-and-greet.
On paper, perfect.
A genius maintaining top grades via online classes.
But concerns lingered.
'Long hospital stay, only guardian is her brother...'
Saint Mary was unique.
Good grades alone wouldn't suffice.
Chaebol heirs, high official kids.
Without parental clout, kids got subtly ostracized in their tight-knit league.
Kim Soo-hyun had seen too many such children fail to adapt, get hurt, and drop out.
'Maybe better not to start before getting attached... for her sake.'
Clearly frail in body and spirit from hospital life.
With mixed feelings, she opened the counseling room door.
And.
"......!"
Facing the girl inside, she unwittingly held her breath.
Doll-like pretty, beyond photos.
Huge eyes on that tiny face.
Brimming with pure curiosity and spirit, untouched by the world.
No shrinking or fear—instead, sparkling with excitement for the new world.
"Teacher?"
"Ah......"
Snapped out of staring by So-ye's call.
"Hello, Teacher!"
The doll spoke?
And stood for a proper bow, impressively so.
"Yes, hello. So-ye."
Kim Soo-hyun's voice softened unwittingly.
"Oh my. That doll is adorable."
She addressed the worn bunny plush in So-ye's arms.
So-ye beamed politely.
"Really? Thank you! Teacher, you're so pretty too!"
Her innocent reply melted Kim Soo-hyun's heart.
This girl would be loved anywhere.
"Hello, I'm Jang Kang-hyun, So-ye's guardian."
"Ah, yes. Kim Soo-hyun, So-ye's homeroom teacher."
Young-looking, but his gaze on his sister held the firm weight of a family head.
"I hear Saint Mary has many kids who've climbed from kindergarten."
"Yes, that's right."
Mostly born with silver spoons, on elite tracks.
Hard for outsiders to break into their established hierarchy.
That was Kim Soo-hyun's worry.
"I know mid-semester entry won't be easy for So-ye."
His calm demeanor surprised her.
Most parents bragged about their genius kids, demanding special treatment.
But this young guardian acknowledged difficulties first, humbling himself.
"And first time at school, so many shortcomings."
"No, no. So-ye is exceptionally bright and smart—that's why she was accepted. She qualifies fully."
"Thank you for seeing her potential and giving the chance. So-ye and I will work hard."
"We, we'll work hard!"
"......!"
Kang-hyun's resolute responsibility and So-ye's mimicking bow embarrassed Kim Soo-hyun instead.
'What prejudice did I just hold against her? Judging by wealth or background... that was me.'
Questioning if that was a true educator.
She resolved.
To help this lovely child avoid hurt in this harsh place.
With everything she could.
That night.
Back in her room, So-ye pondered.
Bunny on the bed, serious face.
"What to do?"
Today's first school glimpse was great.
Vast playground, kind teacher, library full of books.
Excited for new friends, yet worried.
School was her first group life.
After only hospital, would she differ from normal kids?
Stand out and get disliked?
Worries snowballed.
"No one else carries a big doll like me, right?"
Poking Bunny's nose, she pouted.
"Can't have them tease me as childish... I don't want to burden Oppa."
No one said anything, but she felt shy alone.
"Bunny...... Can't come to school with me, sorry. You'll be home alone now."
"......!"
At those words, Bunny's black button eyes flashed.
Alone...... stay?
Recently, on the roof gazing at night sky, he'd vowed firmly.
To protect this little master from all threats.
To stay by her side through coming upheavals, as always.
This body existed as her bodyguard.
Now leaving hospital's safe fence for dangerous city where monsters could appear anytime—without guarding right beside her?
Inability to fulfill duty was unimaginable.
"......"
Bunny felt crisis for the first time.
Must find a way.
To stay by So-ye's side no matter what.