Chapter 95
Chapter 95
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 95
Chapter Title: Military Flight to Qatar
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With that level of status, Cheon Sang-ho probably always flew first class even for overseas trips.
Kang Jin-hyuk had once thought the same.
But after boarding a military transport plane loaded with all sorts of protective gear, that illusion shattered for him.
Just like in the movies, the interior of the transport was structured so you could jump right out the rear door once it opened.
Kang Jin-hyuk couldn't understand at all why he had to board something like this for a long journey all the way to the Middle East.
"Are we some kind of explosives or something?"
"Ahaha..."
The secretary dispatched from the association as both interpreter and guide gave a wry smile beside Kang Jin-hyuk.
She absolutely couldn't say—even if her mouth was torn off—that hunters were bombs in human form and thus could never use commercial flights.
"We have no choice but to use facilities like this since we're considered high-risk individuals."
Cheon Sang-ho casually voiced the answer the secretary had hesitated to give.
Hearing that, Kang Jin-hyuk felt a surge of irritation.
"Why are we high-risk? What accident have we even caused!"
"The past doesn't matter. Their government only looks at objective facts."
Even unused bombs couldn't be loaded onto civilian planes.
Cheon Sang-ho, having been through this situation countless times, accepted their current position with calm resignation.
"Our country doesn't have laws like that."
"That's thanks to the association and other guilds pulling strings."
Of course, "pulling strings" was a polite way of putting it. Bluntly, it was the result of heavy lobbying with massive sums of money.
Even that had only worked because South Korea had good public safety. In a place like America, it would've been impossible.
"Damn, they're the ones who asked for help, but the welcome's this rough."
Feeling offended, Kang Jin-hyuk leaned back in his seat.
He tried to catch a nap, but the hard seat and deafening noise made it impossible to sleep comfortably.
"How much longer until we arrive?"
At Kang Jin-hyuk's question, the secretary checked the time on her wristwatch.
"About nine more hours."
"My god..."
Having to spend more than a third of a day in this uncomfortable transport plane.
Kang Jin-hyuk genuinely regretted accepting Cheon Sang-ho's proposal.
What he'd imagined was a luxurious sky journey enjoying top-tier service in first class.
Not being treated like explosives and dragged along with soldiers on a march above the clouds.
'At least it'll be better once we arrive?'
They said that after hardship comes ease.
Believing he'd receive good treatment and rest on-site, Kang Jin-hyuk endured the nine-hour ordeal.
After a sleepless, uncomfortable flight, the transport finally arrived in Qatar, where the new monster strain had appeared.
The moment Kang Jin-hyuk stepped off, he was hit with scorching heat that burned his skin.
The humidity was like South Korea's early summer, and the sweltering temperature pushed the discomfort index sky-high.
"Damn..."
After suffering through the long, grueling flight, what greeted him was merciless blistering heat.
Dozens of curses hovered on Kang Jin-hyuk's lips.
If the welcoming party hadn't extended a hand with a friendly smile, he might have actually let them fly.
As the man spoke in Arabic, the secretary wiped her streaming sweat and dove into her duties.
"He welcomes you all on behalf of the king."
The welcomer said a few more words before gesturing for Kang Jin-hyuk and his group to follow.
"He's guiding us to our accommodations."
"Finally, some rest."
Kang Jin-hyuk breathed a sigh of relief and patted his chest.
He couldn't even imagine not getting to rest in this weather.
As they followed the guide, Kang Jin-hyuk asked the secretary about what had been on his mind.
"By the way, this country still has a king?"
"It's a constitutional monarchy like the UK. But with the royals monopolizing even the prime minister position, it's practically absolute monarchy."
"Then it must be tough to live here."
Hearing Kang Jin-hyuk, the secretary shot him a look as if questioning his sincerity.
"Kang Jin-hyuk, you must not be very interested in overseas affairs."
"I'm too busy surviving to pay attention to that stuff."
Back in his D-rank Hunter days, he'd been living hand-to-mouth with no time to think about anything else.
Even after dungeons appeared, it was the same.
Sure, money was no longer an issue, but he was chased by time more than ever during his D-rank days.
He barely kept up with domestic news via internet articles—how could he know about other countries?
"Qatar is one of the richest countries in the world."
"Huh? Why?"
"Because they have a ton of oil and gas."
Kang Jin-hyuk immediately got it upon hearing the secretary.
In the Middle East, a country rich in oil and natural gas? That said it all.
Barring a few exceptions like Venezuela, oil-rich nations were almost always economically prosperous.
Even Kang Jin-hyuk, lacking international knowledge, knew that much.
"So the royals hog all that money?"
"That's a huge offense to say to people here."
"Like getting arrested in China?"
The secretary quickly shook her head at Kang Jin-hyuk's example.
"Not like that—it's an insult to the previous king."
"What kind of king was he?"
"To sum it up briefly, he nationalized the oil and gas that belonged to the royals and focused on welfare."
"...Impressive guy."
For someone born into a family that had everything, making that decision was no small feat.
Even as a king from another country, he was someone worthy of genuine respect.
"No wonder they're paying such a high fee."
A country that made good money and cared for its people? That explained it.
"Looks like a great place to live."
"Not entirely."
The secretary leaned in close to Kang Jin-hyuk's ear, whispering so those ahead couldn't hear.
"Qatar is one of the countries supporting terrorists and Islamist rebels."
"Huh..."
All the positive images of Qatar that had filled Kang Jin-hyuk's mind moments ago shattered in an instant.
"So please refrain from anything that draws attention."
"Got it."
Kang Jin-hyuk had no desire to get tangled in that mess and suffer, so he quietly heeded the secretary's words.
* * *
Men in black masks gathered on the rooftop of a high-rise, watching a certain location.
Their gazes were fixed on one of Pantheon's territories—the Olympic Park they'd rented out to D-rank Hunters.
Just a few days ago, Jeong Dae-yoon's welcome skill had filled the area, but now there was no one in sight.
"Kang Jin-hyuk has gone to Qatar for an overseas request with Cheon Sang-ho."
"So the intel was true."
"It'll take at least three days for him to return, even if he's quick."
The masked men didn't realize that Altron was the one who'd leaked that information.
Altron had spread it to various guilds to gauge Pantheon's response in case of an attack, luring them in.
And today, one guild captivated by that lure was gearing up for a full assault.
"Any other news from the scout we sent?"
"Nope. What you see is all of them."
"Figures. All bulk, no substance."
The masked men were already basking in premature victory, assuming it would be an easy fight.
"It's practically empty land, so if we just station our people there, we're done?"
"What about those D-rank Hunters?"
"They're in the way—chase 'em out."
"What if they dig in and refuse to leave?"
The leader among the masked men laughed, telling them not to ask obvious questions.
"Beat 'em just short of killing."
D-rank Hunters were the types who struggled against goblin-level monsters.
No need to exert themselves against such low-level humans.
Their real targets were the mere five or so patrol members.
"Think we need to swarm just to take down five?"
"We have to make it clear this is our turf now."
"They might send reinforcements."
Decision made, the masked men bolted from the building toward the site.
The Hunters, who had been hunting until late evening, were shocked to spot the sudden group.
"What the hell are they?"
"Not Pantheon people, right?"
As the Hunters panicked, the masked men drew weapons and issued threats.
"Anyone who doesn't wanna die, get the hell out now!"
Hearing the masked men's shouts and the Hunters' commotion, a Pantheon guild member rushed over.
The moment he spotted the group in black masks, he reached for the communicator in his pocket.
"Where do you think you're going!"
Spotting this, a masked man hurled a dagger at the guild member.
"Argh!"
Hit in the forearm, the Pantheon guild member clutched the wound and dropped to his knees.
Fortunately, he'd pressed the button, but he couldn't hold off this many alone until backup arrived.
Resigned to surrender, he was stunned as a group of Hunters suddenly formed a bulwark in front of him.
"What the— these guys."
"They aren't seriously thinking of fighting us, are they?"
The masked men sneered openly at the Hunters blocking their path.
Even if a decent number had gathered, they were just D-rank Hunters.
Dust gathered was still just dust.
"I told you already: move if you don't wanna die."
As a masked man drew his sword threateningly, the low-rank Hunters scoffed.
"You get out! You conscienceless bastards!"
"You fed off our backs long enough—now you wanna steal this too?!"
This place was the only spot where low-rank Hunters could hunt without worry.
They were barely grinding levels by catching monsters here—no way they'd let another guild take it.
"These punks got guts sticking out their asses."
The low-rank Hunters' defiance provoked the masked men.
For trash who couldn't even escape D-rank to block their way?
Feeling insulted, the masked men charged without restraint.
"Know your place, you fucking vermin!"
The lead masked man swung his sword arm—and the Hunter blocking him squeezed his eyes shut.
He imagined the sharp blade slicing into him, but as time passed, no pain came.
Wondering what happened, he opened his eyes to find figures in black hoodies standing between them, blocking the masked men.
The masked man's swing was parried by one hoodie-wearer's razor-sharp claws.
"Who the hell are these people...?"
"Don't tell me Pantheon called in reinforcements?!"
Even under questioning, the hoodie group gave no answer.
As if words were unnecessary, they lunged at the masked men without hesitation.
"What the— suddenly!?"
"Argh!"
"Gahk!"
The masked men fell one by one in an instant, before they could even fight back.
Altron's scouts, watching from afar, gaped in disbelief.
"Those guys are veteran A-rank Hunters in their own right..."
They shouldn't have collapsed so one-sidedly, yet the fight ended in seconds.
Beast-like agility and terrifying grip strength.
The movements of the hoodie group bore a unique flair unlike anything from any guild.
Altron's scouts were convinced these sudden hoodie arrivals were unidentified new hires brought in by Pantheon.