Recommended for the Cross Gate
“You’ve been recommended for the Cross Gate expedition.”
President Baek elegantly sipped his coffee.
Steam rose in gentle curls from the cup.
Come to think of it, the weather had turned quite cool lately.
“Shall I serve it without ice?”
“If you’re Korean, it’s iced Americano all the way.”
Tsk.
No need to click your tongue at me.
“The true worth of coffee can only be known when it’s hot.”
In Italy they treat watering down coffee as a sin. To know its real value, you at least have to drink espresso, I think.
“Your mind is elsewhere, isn’t it?”
“Ehk.”
Caught red-handed.
“I’m not sure what you mean…”
“I can tell just from your eyes.”
Did he learn some mind-reading technique or what?
“Why not go? To the Cross Gate.”
“Would that be all right?”
“The Rift Bureau’s minimum standard is A-class, but for Hunter Park, they’ll make an exception.”
Isra and Ingrid alone are already at the peak of A-class. Add the rest of my subordinates and I could easily cover five A-class hunters’ worth of power.
“Still, there are entry requirements, aren’t there?”
“The Cross Gate has no fixed entry rank.”
As long as the Rift Bureau approves, there’s no problem.
“Director Jeong mentioned the Cross Gate to you first, did he not?”
“Yes.”
“Then there should be no issue. Meister Han Yohan’s guarantee comes with it as well.”
Crossing into another world as part of the meister’s party… Something I couldn’t even have imagined a few months ago.
“They say rare materials and monsters are plentiful there, so it will be a great help.”
The Hunter Market isn’t all-powerful. To craft and research stronger undead, I need a lot of rare catalysts. I still haven’t been able to get all the materials for Death Warriors or Skeleton Wizards from the market alone. Thank goodness I signed that agreement with GGG. Without it, developing the Death Warriors would have been a real pain.
“Worth the risk, then.”
“Worry not. Your First Sword shall cut down every foe, my Lord.”
“As long as the Witch Coven stands with us, no enemy will ever approach Master.”
【If there’s anything expensive, I’ll snatch it up for ya.】
【Wounds. Heal.】
Each of my subordinates supporting me in their own way. Confidence that we could overcome any danger welled up inside me.
“I’ll speak to Director Jeong about your Cross Gate entry.”
“Ah. I’d actually like to tell him myself.”
“You’re going to the Rift Bureau?”
“Yes.”
“Understood. I’ll arrange a meeting, then.”
Why go in person when a single phone call would do? Because an SS-class hunter has spent a long time in that office. The environment is perfect for making soul stones—I’d hate to miss the chance.
“Eheh.”
Did I let my guard down too much? A silly laugh slipped out past my lips.
“Um, Hunter Park. What are your plans for the afternoon?”
“I was going to stop by the Hunter Market to do some shopping.”
“Director Jeong has cleared his entire schedule after two o’clock.”
“He’s not usually free, is he?”
“He’s often out in the field, so getting an appointment with him is no easy task.”
Even President Baek couldn’t hide his surprise.
Well now. I’m honored.
“Perfect timing after lunch, then.”
“How about trying this dish called tonkatsu today?”
“You iron-headed fool. Is food all you ever think about?”
“One must eat heartily to swing a sword properly.”
“What nonsense. What does an undead need food for? Keep spouting inefficient garbage and see what happens.”
“Then you needn’t eat either, since it’s so inefficient.”
“Hmph! I’m only tasting it first to check for poison in Master’s food!”
“I shall take on that duty myself.”
Oh.
Ingrid, hit with a spicy counterpunch, ground her teeth.
“Ugh-grr-grr.”
“President Baek, what about your lunch?”
“Let’s go together. I’ll take you to a fine Japanese-style tonkatsu place.”
“The Court Steward is as capable as ever!”
Isra beamed with a bright smile.
Smiling that radiantly with that face is just cheating. Even President Baek, who looked like he wouldn’t bleed if you pricked him with a needle, was momentarily disarmed.
“Ahem, ahem. Shall we?”
“Yes.”
We rose from our seats with unnecessary little coughs.
Right after the meal we headed straight for the Rift Bureau headquarters in Gwacheon.
“The crispy texture was truly exquisite.”
Isra closed her eyes as if still savoring the flavor. She looked thoroughly satisfied.
Well, of course. We ordered the entire menu—if she weren’t satisfied after that, she wouldn’t be human. Then again, she’s not exactly human, is she?
“The Court Steward’s recommendations are always reliable.”
Ingrid reacted the same way.
“President Baek, are you all right?”
“Our budget is ample. Please don’t worry.”
Because Isra had ordered every single item, the bill had come out rather high. Still less than when we ate beef, but it felt a bit awkward all the same.
“Next time I’ll cover it.”
“Ten percent of the magic stones you provide becomes our company’s income. That alone is enormous, so you truly needn’t concern yourself.”
Mmm. When he puts it like that, I can’t insist any further.
The moment we stepped out at the entrance, several staff members approached with greetings.
“We’ll escort you to the Counter-Abnormal Bureau.”
Ohh. I feel like a total VIP! If my name gets any bigger, will they start saying things like “Hunter, we’ll clear the gate for you”?
Knock knock knock—
“Hunter Park Minho has arrived.”
“Please show him in.”
Inside the Counter-Abnormal Bureau director’s office, Director Jeong Seungil was working alone. I had grown fairly used to the sight of him by now.
Are all those documents? Looking at the tower of stacked papers, my mouth fell open.
“I prefer analog, so I like printing things out myself.”
Guhhh. It’s not the paper that shocked me—it’s the sheer volume. The workload was murderous. And he still went out into the field? How did he manage?
Whew. Not my problem to worry about.
“I heard you wish to apply for Cross Gate entry.”
“Yes. I’ve been asked to participate as escort from Hanil Blacksmith.”
“As it happens, the request came in this morning and I’ve already approved it.”
Whoa. Lightning-fast processing. More than that—they pulled an all-nighter and still submitted the request? Meister Han Yohan didn’t seem the type to move that quickly. Looking at it, this had Nam Jinwoo’s fingerprints all over it.
“I’ve already given approval, but I wanted to meet you to confirm Hunter Park’s capabilities in person.”
“Ah. Yes.”
“I don’t believe there’s any need for concern.”
Director Jeong’s gaze shifted to my two subordinates.
“You have a good eye for people.”
“Hohoho. They call you this nation’s strongest—your discernment is decent.”
Kids. Don’t. This man’s name is in the social studies textbooks.
“I apologize for the inconvenience, but confirmation was necessary.”
“It’s fine. I’m Ranger Number One, yet I’ve only been receiving benefits without doing much.”
“Did you not stop a gate that was on the verge of a Mega Break?”
That one felt more like I got caught up in it than that I stopped it…
“In any case, the fact that you performed your duty admirably as Ranger Number One remains unchanged.”
“Is that how it’s being interpreted?”
“To those in high places, justification is everything.”
If they grant benefits, there must be corresponding results. My achievements were more than enough to satisfy the higher-ups, so there was no problem. Politicians’ calculations sure are complicated.
“Even without the Mega Break incident, there wouldn’t have been any major issue.”
“Even if I was only receiving benefits?”
“Who would dare criticize someone who has raised the nation’s prestige the way Hunter Park has?”
And this wasn’t just anyone speaking. Korea’s greatest hunter, the “Executioner” who had been active since the Great Cataclysm itself, was saying this. I didn’t know where to put myself.
Ahem. I’m speechless, honestly.
“Ah, before you enter the Cross Gate, please visit the Rift Bureau once more.”
“For what reason?”
“Nothing major. I’d like to lend you some equipment.”
Equipment? Does he mean items owned by the Rift Bureau?
“Yes. You have a great many summons. Arming even a portion of them would be a tremendous help.”
“You really don’t have to go that far.”
“No. Please accept it, Hunter Park.”
President Baek, who had been listening quietly, cut in.
Borrowing equipment feels a bit burdensome, you know? I don’t have just one or two subordinates. I’m commanding them by the hundreds—‘a portion’ still means dozens. Even the bone equipment I craft myself is rated Rare. To get better performance than that, I’d need high-end Rare or Unique gear. If I’m not careful, I might strip the Rift Bureau bare.
“By accepting goodwill, we confirm our mutual friendship.”
“Friendship?”
“It’s a gesture showing that the Rift Bureau holds this much goodwill toward Hunter Park, and that you are accepting it.”
President Baek. I’m not sure I follow. So… like depositing friendship fees or something?
At my muttered thought, Director Jeong let out a short chuckle.
“In simple terms, yes.”
“Is this also some kind of political domain?”
“Half of it is, but the other half is genuine goodwill, so please accept it without burden.”
With both President Baek and Director Jeong saying so, it was hard to refuse.
“Then please prioritize quality over quantity.”
“You intend to focus the enhancements on your two main summons.”
“Yes. That would be better.”
Isra’s and Ingrid’s equipment hadn’t changed much. Close-range gear could be covered to some extent with bone metallurgy, but most of Ingrid’s gear was still stuck at Magic grade.
“Very well. I’ll put in some effort so we can lend you high-end Rare or Unique items.”
“You don’t have to push yourself too hard.”
“If it were up to me, I wouldn’t want it to be a loan at all—I’d give them to you permanently.”
A flicker of regret passed through Director Jeong’s eyes.
He’s serious. He’s completely serious!
President Baek piled on even more.
“Director of the Counter-Abnormal Bureau, please put some real muscle into it.”
“I’ll do my best.”
Don’t answer so seriously! I somehow felt like the only idiot in the room.
“Hold your head high, my Lord.”
“Master is more than worthy of even grander hospitality.”
Everyone except me was dead serious, which made me a little sad.
Right. Because of this big event of equipment loans, I almost forgot my real purpose.
“Director, I have a favor to ask.”
“Speak freely.”
“Well… I’d like to do something in this room.”
Soul stone crafting. The whole reason I went out of my way to schedule a face-to-face meeting with Director Jeong when a phone call would have sufficed.
Director Jeong Seungil was an SS-class hunter on par with the Twelve Heroes. A warrior-type whose position didn’t overlap with Old Man Alphonse!
In this office, I should be able to make quite a few soul stones needed for Death Warrior production.
Director Jeong blinked both eyes.
“You’re not unwell, are you?”
“It won’t harm you even one gram, Director.”
“Then please make yourself comfortable. I’ll continue handling some work.”
“Eheh! Eheheh!”
Coming here was totally worth it!