Chapter 66
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 66
Chapter Title: That Suspicious Guy (1)
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Right after returning to Seoul, I visited the Gangnam branch of the Dungeon Management Bureau.
It was to report the details regarding the Woodcutter's Cabin.
Even omitting the contract with the Divine Seat, so much had happened that it took a full two days.
“Yes, this should be sufficient. Thank you for your time and effort, Hunter Kim Hanul.”
After two days of follow-up reporting.
The head of the Dungeon Management Bureau's Gangnam branch, Shin Seonghun, smiled and extended his hand.
We had met several times over the past month or so.
His face was quite familiar by now.
I returned the smile and shook his hand.
“Thank you.”
“I never expected to see you this often. To be honest, even when you had your third rank-up, I was still a bit skeptical.”
“I was lucky.”
“Hahaha, you’re too modest. If it were truly luck, wouldn’t you say it favors you a little too much? You must have saved the country in a past life.”
Well, not a country, but I have saved a similar Lord's Castle several times.
Shin Seonghun, who had made the cheerful joke, closed his laptop and continued.
“In any case, with this, you should be able to get promoted right away.”
“Promoted?”
“Yes, Hunter Kim Hanul, you’re currently registered as a B-rank Hunter, aren’t you? It’s time to move up, to A-rank.”
Oho.
Moving up to A-rank requires stricter criteria than previous Hunter promotions.
You either have to play a major role in a critical situation like a Gate or dungeon rampage, or receive an endorsement of your abilities from an S-rank or higher Hunter.
This was why my promotion had stalled at a B-rank license, even though my magic power measurement was updated to S-rank.
In any case, as far as I knew, an immediate promotion was impossible.
“Hmm, I don’t think I’ve gathered enough points yet.”
Since my awakening, I’ve cleared two Gates and three dungeons.
It was nowhere near enough to accumulate the required points.
Assuming an average of four expeditions a month, it takes a B-rank Hunter over a year to gather enough points for a promotion.
“That would be true if points were awarded normally. Judging by ordinary Gate or dungeon expeditions, it’s far too soon.”
But Shin Seonghun’s eyes gleamed from behind his glasses as he replied.
“However, Hunter Kim Hanul, you’re a special case, aren’t you? The Garden of the Deep appeared in the middle of land tangled with various interests, and it was such a troublesome dungeon that even Pungbaek had given up on fully conquering it. You, Hunter Kim Hanul, cleaned it up neatly. Naturally, the points awarded would be much higher.”
Hmm, so the points themselves can change depending on the circumstances.
I’d only heard rumors about it, so this was the first time hearing an explanation from someone directly involved. I nodded.
“And then there’s the A-rank Fusion Gate incident. The guild master of Aegis, who went on the expedition with you, assigned 70 percent of the contribution credit to you, Hanul. Haven’t you heard about that?”
“This is the first I’m hearing of it.”
I hadn't heard. To be precise, Ma Dongpal hadn't told me.
During the joint expedition with Aegis, Ma Dongpal had handled all the reporting, including my share.
Anyway, what’s with this guy?
I thought he was just some musclehead pestering me to go hiking on weekends, but he did something this nice?
I feel bad for ignoring his messages until now. Today, I should give him a proper reply: ‘Go by yourself.’
“On top of that, for the Ogre’s Sanctuary, the guild master of Pungbaek transferred 90 percent of the contribution credit to you.”
“……”
“And as for this time with the Woodcutter’s Cabin, you cleared an A-rank dungeon by yourself, so that goes without saying. To put it simply, Hanul, you’ve been receiving several times the average points for a clear all at once.”
So that was the story behind it.
“I assumed you were already aware of the contribution credit arrangement, so I didn’t mention it. It seems you weren’t informed.”
Apparently so.
These guys just dumped the points on me without any discussion.
What is this, punishing me with points?
“For that reason, you have more than enough points. If you wish, Hanul, you could be promoted as early as tomorrow. Of course, we would have to prepare a ceremony for it.”
As early as tomorrow.
Getting an A-rank license would naturally change my treatment in many ways.
Especially financially.
I’ve heard the government provides a significant monthly stipend under the guise of maintaining dignity, and you also get some tax exemptions.
However, there are just as many hassles that come with it.
“Is participation in the promotion ceremony mandatory?”
“Hmm, I’m afraid so. A B-rank Hunter being promoted to A-rank is tantamount to the birth of a new talent. Even rookies who receive an A-rank evaluation at the Hunter's Den have their own award ceremonies, don’t they?”
A promotion ceremony meant my face would be plastered all over TV and various other mass media.
I would become a full-fledged public figure.
It wouldn’t matter much if I had an elusive ability like Sanarae.
But a ground-pounder like me was likely to be exposed to all sorts of media.
‘For now, it’s better to postpone the promotion. I should consider it after moving to a Hunter-exclusive officetel or apartment where my privacy is at least guaranteed. It’s not like I’m desperate for money right now.’
Still, as someone who used to stream, the flood of offers for broadcast appearances and countless requests for handshakes that would come with the promotion was tempting.
“So you’re saying the promotion is possible at any time?”
“Well… I did exaggerate a bit when I said as early as tomorrow, but we do need about a week to prepare. There are many high-ranking people who would want to make an appearance at the ceremony. In your case, Hunter Kim Hanul, the competition would be fierce.”
Ah, right. A-rank Hunters also have to endure being approached by powerful people who want to use them for political gain.
Thinking about that made me want to do it even less.
“I’ll postpone the promotion.”
“Yes, I understand. I just wanted to let you know that the promotion is possible.”
It seemed Shin Seonghun had read my thoughts to some extent.
After all, he was probably the one who had to deal with those powerful people every day.
“Then we will process the Woodcutter’s Cabin as an A-rank special dungeon and deposit the corresponding amount into your account by the end of today.”
“How much is the payout for an A-rank special dungeon?”
“Just a moment. Since you don’t have any amount to be distributed to a guild, the full sum will be deposited to you…”
Shin Seonghun tapped on his smartphone calculator and then answered.
“2.26 billion won.”
Just as I thought. It seems I won’t be getting promoted to A-rank for a while.
* * *
I had postponed the promotion, but I’d been feeling the need to move for a while now.
So, right after leaving the Gangnam branch of the Dungeon Management Bureau, I stopped by a nearby real estate agency to look for a Hunter-exclusive officetel.
“Hmm, if you’re not A-rank or higher, Gangnam might be a bit difficult.”
The real estate agent said, looking me up and down in my plain hoodie with a troubled expression.
But that was only for a moment.
“Oh, this is…?”
His eyes widened when I silently showed him a card.
It was black with an engraved design of the Taegeuk Gate symbol, representing the Union Headquarters.
A type of medal and VIP card issued only to Hunters who have received a payout of over 4 billion won from the Union Headquarters.
Naturally, the agent recognized the card.
“Sh-shall we leave right away? I will show you only the best properties, Hunter.”
He bowed at a ninety-degree angle, promising his best effort.
After about two hours of viewings, I chose a Hunter-exclusive officetel in Gangnam.
It had excellent amenities, seismic design, and security.
It was a large officetel that even came with a ‘small tamed monsters allowed’ option.
The contract was signed in a flash.
Since I didn’t have much to pack, I set the moving date for the very next day.
“Take care, Hunter! I will contact you again tomorrow morning!”
Leaving the politely bowing agent behind, I returned to my studio apartment.
“Nyaaa!”
As soon as I opened the door, the cat ran up in a single bound and rubbed against my cheek.
“Were you a good boy watching the house, San-gun?”
The Dream Lord had said he wanted San-gun to stay by my side rather than in the castle.
Thanks to that, the little guy was always summoned and stayed with me.
I had unexpectedly become a cat butler.
“Nyaaa!”
[...٩(//̀Д/́/)۶]
But San-gun, nestled in my arms, and Sage were already bickering.
What’s gotten into these two all of a sudden?
I ignored them and gazed around the moonlit studio apartment.
A room of just a few square meters, cramped with even two people inside.
“It feels strange.”
[Sage cheers that it can finally escape this stuffy place! (๑>ᴗ[๑)] “You’re probably just happy about it.” I felt a mix of relief and regret. So much had changed in such a short time. The tide of change had rushed in, washing away even this tiny room. “I can do this, right?” To keep going without falling behind or getting tired, even as I step out into a wider world. *Fwump.* Sage placed its body on top of my head. [Sage informs you that you have done well so far.] [Therefore, it informs you that you will continue to do well in the future! ٩(๑]∀<๑)۶]
I chuckled at the status window that appeared before me.
“What’s with the sudden heartfelt moment?”
Yeah, I can do this.
Many things, including this room, are being swept away by change, but there are still things that remain by my side, refusing to be washed away.
I put San-gun down, sat in my chair, and turned on the computer.
Then I sent a message to one of my loyal viewers of five years.
[Me: Streaming in 1 min kk]
My smartphone buzzed immediately.
[Asha: Now? Ah, I’m at a company dinner ㅠ h-on h-on, I’ll join rn]
A company dinner this late? Asha really is a working adult.
Anyway, I told her before streaming, so I kept my promise.
I prepared for the stream with familiar motions.
[The broadcast is starting.]
“Hello, bros.”
[Viewer 1: Greetings, What Kind of Crappy Game Is This.]
[DdongDdongMak: LMAO CrappyGame-bro reporting in alive]
[Last of the Old-timers: Whoa, talk about timing, I was just about to turn off my PC and sleep]
[CrappyGame-bro's Stalker Fan: Broooooo, where have you been?]
[Monster Blocking Hunter: The return of CrappyGame-bro;; This is epic]
[Bald is the Strongest: hihi~]
“It’s been a while. Have you all been well?”
It wasn’t a stream with any particular theme.
MonMonMak, the game that had first brought us together, was gone.
Still, just catching up and chatting was enough.
I didn’t properly reveal my identity this time either.
But the six viewers didn’t ask about it.
By this point, they must have already figured it out.
And so, I smiled and murmured.
“Everyone, this is out of the blue, but thank you so much.”
At my sudden confession, the chat scrolled up relentlessly.
It was as if I could hear them laughing and making a fuss about how embarrassing it was.
* * *
The next day.
The move was over in an hour.
There was nothing for me to do.
The officetel’s maintenance staff had installed a small teleporter in the room and helped with the move via spatial transfer.
It was one of the basic services provided to residents.
“Gono, the computer tower goes over here.”
So, I sent the maintenance staff away and just had to walk around the spacious home, arranging my things.
The staff had offered to help with unpacking the miscellaneous items, but I decided to do it myself.
“Kiruk.”
Taking the computer tower from Gono’s hands and plugging it in, I finished arranging everything.
Now, all that was left was a big clean-up.
“Kiruk, keruk.”
Did it read my mind? Gono quickly came back with a wet towel.
Then it started scrubbing the floor itself.
…But, the way it did was really.
“Gono, what’s gotten into you all of a sudden?”
It was very strange.
Gono, who was vigorously scrubbing the shiny floor, flinched.
“Ki, keruk?!”
“Why are you working so hard all of a sudden? I heard you even told the Lord you wanted to help me move.”
It seemed Sage, who was linked to the Lord’s Castle, had informed them that I was moving.
‘Lord of the mortal world, Gono wishes to lend a hand with your move.’
I was so surprised when I saw that speech bubble from the Dream Lord that my eyes nearly popped out.
Gono had always been the biggest slacker among my summons.
For that guy to suddenly volunteer for chores.
“Ki, keruk. Kiruk.”
Gono awkwardly averted its gaze and started scrubbing the floor again.
Something’s incredibly suspicious.
“Well, thanks for your hard work anyway.”
Since it wasn’t wearing its equipment, the back of Gono’s head was exposed.
I said as I stroked its head, which was covered in dense, short fur.
At that moment.
“Kiruk?!”
Gono jumped in surprise, and a new status window appeared before my eyes.
[Gono’s Affinity has increased by 1!]
“?”
[You have reached 100 Affinity with Gono.]
[A Gono-exclusive quest to acquire a new skill has been unlocked!]
“Kiruk….”
…That’s right. This horrifying hybrid system existed.