[No title provided in translation]
France's SS-rank hunter Charlotte Michelle had arrived.
In a situation being broadcast live not just domestically but internationally, she sought out her disciple before anything else.
Ignoring those who had come to greet her, she boarded the prepared limousine and left the airport straight away.
At first glance, it might seem like she was simply a devoted mentor, but considering her true nature, no one could take it lightly.
Natural disaster.
National calamity.
A being called a new strategic weapon, among other things.
Charlotte Michelle was someone who could single-handedly turn a city into rubble—or even bring a nation to its knees.
One of only four SS-rank hunters on Earth.
Her visit, especially under such unfavorable circumstances, had put not only Korea but the entire global media on edge.
Worries that Seoul might end up in ruins like this.
With the current level of Korea's hunters, there was no way to stop her if she went on a rampage.
If all the domestic SA-rank hunters mobilized, they might suppress her to some extent, but damage was inevitable.
Moreover, confronting her with a large force would ignite all-out war with France.
After all, she'd be touching France's pride and symbol.
For Korea, just now recovering its peak strength, such a thing couldn't be allowed to happen.
At least she was one of the more reasonable among SS-rank hunters.
If it had been China's infamous maniac Wang Feng, Seoul would already be in flames by the time he landed.
Lisa trembled nonstop as she watched the breaking news reports of Charlotte's arrival.
She was shaking so hard that the table kept wobbling, making it impossible to focus on the meal.
Glancing at her amid the constant nagging from Righty, Lisa shot me a fierce glare, as if she'd been waiting for my attention.
I turned away, pretending not to notice.
"Don't ignore me!"
"...Even dogs don't mess with someone eating."
"You think I can eat at a time like this?!"
"...It's going down fine... Fine, sorry. I'll focus."
Overwhelmed by Lisa's intense vibe, I quickly set down my chopsticks.
Righty grumbled right away, but luckily I'd eaten plenty already, so it wasn't too bad.
"What are we gonna do?! She really came! That Charlotte Michelle!"
"...Yeah, she did. So what's the problem? Nothing points specifically to us. Unless you left traces during the investigation..."
"We're not rookies—we don't make beginner mistakes like that."
"Then what's the issue? I get that Charlotte's a big deal, but as long as we don't get caught, we're good, right?"
Lisa let out a deep sigh at my nonchalant attitude.
"...It'd be fine if she'd come alone."
"Hm?"
I tilted my head slightly, and she continued.
"Among those with Charlotte is a famous hunter. Her skill is Psychometry. She reads information or memories related to objects by touching them. Not great for hunting, but..."
"...I see. Useless as a hunter, but perfect for this kind of thing."
Lisa nodded weakly in agreement.
In her mind, Charlotte finding us was already a done deal.
And after hearing her explanation, I felt much the same.
"Then it's confirmed she's coming for us."
"Yes... So you get why we can't be this relaxed now, right? Stop sneaking those chopsticks!"
Startled by her shrill cry, I dropped the chopsticks I'd just picked up. Righty complained again.
"Do you even realize how dangerous this is?!"
"...Don't worry. I won't let it touch you."
"...What do you mean?"
As Lisa furrowed her brows, I replied flatly.
"If Psychometry pins down the culprit, it'll only be me."
"...True."
"So as long as our connection stays hidden, we're fine."
"...Did you forget we made your hunter license? If they dig into you seriously, we'll get caught."
"I know that much."
"Then...!"
I shook my head quietly at her excited outburst.
"If we move first, before they investigate, you won't get exposed."
"...What do you...?"
Lisa stared blankly, not grasping it yet. Without a word, I picked up my chopsticks again.
"In short, I'll go to her first."
"......?"
She made a dumbstruck face, uncharacteristic for her.
Like the time I'd ordered five more cows.
Lefty snickered inwardly at her expression.
After snapping out of it, Lisa predictably launched into a lecture, but I ignored it.
It was disrupting the meal, so I explained calmly.
Despite my lengthy explanation with all sorts of reasons, she still didn't seem convinced.
But she got that I'd made up my mind, so she didn't push further.
Now I could eat in peace.
So quit complaining, Righty.
"...Are you confident?"
"Confident about what?"
"...About beating that woman, Charlotte."
I fell silent at her quiet voice.
"...Yeah, it'd be tough right now."
"...See?! We need a plan now...! No, let's just leave the country! America? China? Anywhere with another SS-rank—she won't rampage freely there!"
I shook my head at her fervent suggestions.
"Misunderstanding. I meant it'd be tough in my current state."
"...What?"
"Just on my end... But I don't plan to lose anyway. I don't fight battles I can lose to begin with."
She stared at me, utterly baffled.
I resumed eating, regardless.
Or Righty would complain.
Lefty said something, but I ignored it cleanly.
Ah, this place does good barbecue.
"Oh, right—there's something I need."
As the meal wrapped up, a thought struck me, and I spoke.
Lisa, who had been watching me with an unreadable gaze, perked up.
"What?! What is it?! Running away after all? Should I prep passports? America? China? Or since the devil you know..."
"...Not that."
I shook my head at her intensity.
She clicked her tongue in disappointment.
"Tch, then what? Don't tell me you want one last romp before dying? I'd welcome that."
"...Sometimes I wonder what's really in that head of yours."
"I wonder the same about yours."
I sighed softly at her steady gaze.
"Anyway, like I said—a request. Or rather, a commission, since I'll pay."
"So what commission? Charlotte info? Free of charge."
"Grateful, but no—that's not it."
"Then?"
"Find someone for me."
She frowned at my casual request.
"Again? Who to kill this time? If you're planning to make more trouble, maybe stop..."
"...I don't always kill people."
"......"
I averted my eyes from her odd look.
True, outside the labyrinth, it'd just been eating and killing.
"...Sigh. Fine if not killing. Who?"
"...Remember Park Kwang-yeol?"
"The hunter from the same raid as the three we found—and three years ago? The leader?"
I nodded once.
Lisa hummed thoughtfully.
"Why him? He's dead."
"His son. And his family... No need for distant relatives."
"Hm... Got it. I already dug up stuff on Park Kwang-yeol hunter... Shouldn't take long."
She nodded easily, then asked again.
"How long?"
"A day tops. Dig now, maybe half a day."
"Make it quick."
She nodded and immediately pulled out her phone, barking orders to her subordinates. From her tone, it'd be ready in half a day.
"So why his family?"
"...Personal reasons."
"I'm curious about those personal reasons."
I pondered briefly at her cheeky stare.
During the pause, she spoke up poutily.
"Tch—just tell me. What's it hurt? We're close enough for that, right?"
"...Close how?"
"You buy meals, I mooch? Kinda dating? Something like that."
"...Pretty sure I mentioned a daughter."
She grinned at my flat tone.
"Yeah, heard. Married man... Kinda hot, though."
"...No idea what's in that head."
"Your thoughts?"
"......"
She giggled at my silence.
"Plus, you said daughter—not wife."
"...Does that make it...?"
"Yep."
"Correction, then. Got a daughter and a wife."
"Hmm? Really?"
She smirked slyly.
"...What's the problem now?"
"You're all confident saying daughter, but wife? Sounds hesitant."
She saw right through that too? From our first meeting—guessing detective work's her hobby.
I stared at her smug, pleased face, then sighed.
"Don't misunderstand. I definitely have a wife."
"Tch, too bad."
She crossed her arms, pouting.
I stood up after a moment.
"I'm off."
"Shouldn't you comfort me now?"
"...Have to?"
"...Explains why you can't say wife confidently."
"...Why'd it go there?"
She ignored my question.
Just sighed softly and stood to follow.
"Guess I'll half-ass the investigation."
"Do business properly."
"Tch, can't even joke."
She shook her head and left the room first.
"I'll send the info as soon as I have it. Charlotte stuff too."
"Thanks."
"Head to a hotel nearby? Can book a suite."
"...Pass."
"Big fights need yin-yang harmony for peace of mind..."
I slipped out of the barbecue joint, dodging her murmur.
A short tongue-click followed from behind.
I heard nothing.
After parting with Lisa, I walked the nearby streets.
Was gonna head back right away, but looks like I need more time.
I paused amid my partners' annual grumbles.
On a nearby building's screen, Charlotte's face flashed repeatedly.
SS-rank hunter... First real opponent since climbing the labyrinth.
And one I couldn't beat in human form.
Only a chance if I reverted fully—and even then, nine-out-of-ten odds against me.
Such an absurd foe.
My heart raced for the first time in ages.