Is That All?
In a place invisible from the virtual reality training ground, Lee Geun-taek—the first-generation hunter and president of the Hunter Association—was watching from what could be called the premium seats for Hunters, The Next Generation, the observation room at the filming location.
"As expected..."
The boy soaring into the sky like a rocket was undoubtedly the same one he'd seen at the training ground last time.
His name was Lee Chang-hyun, I think.
Lee Geun-taek's eyes sparkled.
As a first-generation hunter, an elder of the hunter world, and someone who'd handled more mana equipment than anyone, he observed Lee Chang-hyun closely.
No wasted movements at all. It's like he's been syncing with mana gear for ages...
But to use mana gear, one had to debut in the Hunters League at minimum, so that couldn't be the case.
Then... how could he handle it so masterfully?
A small question arose in his mind, but on the other hand, another thought bubbled up.
Overwhelming talent.
As the one who'd witnessed the most brilliant talents shine among first-generation hunters.
Perhaps it was the talent to acquire skills faster than anyone and instinctively know how to move his body.
I look forward to seeing how long it will take him to make it to the first division league...
Lee Geun-taek thought.
"Hmm... Hmm! Then I'll start the explanation again. Close-range positions are broadly divided into two types. The 'initiator' who starts the fight and pins down the enemy. They often have special skills to support close combat or restrict the opponent's movements. And the 'close-range dealer' you all know well—they join the initiator's fight aggressively to cut down the enemy's dealer or key members. There are many more detailed positions, but for now, this is what you need to know..."
After the Air Anchor and Air Beat practice, a boring theory session dragged on.
Yawn...
Utterly tedious stuff. Theory knowledge didn't help one bit anyway.
Because experiencing it once beat hearing it a hundred times verbally.
In fact, some trainees, exhausted from the previous practice, were dozing off.
I openly closed my eyes to rest.
It's nice they don't touch you if you don't cause trouble...
I didn't know how many more classes I'd have with this hunter instructor, but it was definitely a convenient perk.
Of course, Yi Seong-jin looked pissed as hell, seeing me kick my feet up on the desk with an eyemask on.
If it bugs you, beat me then.
The loser couldn't say a word no matter how much the winner lorded it over them.
And instructor boy. After all the mileage I'd racked up in the Hunters League, you think I couldn't handle that?
Yi Seong-jin couldn't know that, of course.
He must've been pretty shocked.
Those movements weren't easy to see even in the Hunters League.
But my attention was elsewhere.
I don't remember putting anything in my pocket, but this is here... Telekinesis?
Someone putting it there wasn't surprising in itself, but that it happened to me was.
I had no clue who or why.
Can we meet once? After the theory lecture, during break time. Hunter Union Training Facility backyard at 7 o'clock direction. I'll show you something interesting.
Who wanted to meet me, and why go to such lengths?
What did "something interesting" even mean...?
I hadn't gotten tangled in anything like this since regressing, so it only confused me more.
But those thoughts and time had passed... and now a decision loomed.
Well, no enemies or wrongdoing on my end, so no reason to avoid it. Kinda intriguing, actually.
It was a welcome spark to endure the dull lecture.
"Fights between hunters are generally like this. Ability matchups between each other. Synergy with teammates. How you've set up your mana gear and how you use it. Master all that appropriately, and victory is assured."
Yi Seong-jin glanced at his watch after that and said,
"Alright, 10-minute break from the lecture. After that, head back to the podium for the 3-vs-3-vs-3 aerial urban combat program using Air Anchors and Air Beats."
Hmm...
A 3-vs-3-vs-3 aerial urban combat using Air Anchors and Air Beats... It seemed pulled from a mini Hunters League program structured that way.
A scaled-down Hunters League with one close-range dealer, one ranged dealer, and one initiator (supporter) each.
Anyway... shall I go?
I couldn't ignore the mysterious note.
The moment break time started, I headed to the Hunter Union Training Facility backyard at 7 o'clock direction.
I half-expected it to be one of the other trainees in class, given the break time specified, but...
...
No one was there.
It felt like a prank.
Just as that thought crossed my mind, something caught my eye on the backyard ground.
...!
My Piercing Eye activated unconsciously.
Like a hidden dungeon, the ground glowed red and alien.
As I stared piercingly at it, the tile on the backyard ground whirred—zzzzing—and opened, revealing stairs descending below.
Hoo...
It was a place I'd never entered even before regressing.
Seemed like a secretly operated spot.
Cool air hit as I descended.
Soon, a spacious area filled with displayed items came into view.
No visible proper entrance, so the way I'd come in must've been unofficial.
And there, in a black suit, stood the one who'd summoned me.
The old man I'd met during strength training last time.
I'd later learned from hunter sports news he was the current Hunter Association president, Lee Geun-taek.
His gaze on me burned with an intensity beyond ordinary people—sharp and gleaming.
Was it because of the special place and situation?
Or the aura from a first-generation hunter, one with legendary achievements that even pre-regression me couldn't surpass?
Still just an old-timer in the back room. Though he still has some class with that lingering presence.
Better to stay relaxed.
I shook off any tension.
"You found it well."
"Who'd understand just 'Hunter Union Training Facility backyard at 7 o'clock direction'? That's hardly polite."
It was practically a test to see if I could find it.
"So. Care to explain what this is about?"
"I've caught every broadcast featuring Player Chang-hyun. Well... only the first episode has aired so far."
Of course, that wasn't the only reason Lee Geun-taek had summoned me.
The insight on 'mobility' from training.
The incredible mobility demonstrated with Air Beats and Air Anchors in practice.
Plus the 'special insight' shown on the broadcast.
He'd thought his later years would be as a backroom old man, aging without fun distractions.
But he'd stumbled upon an uncut gem.
And this kid echoed words from his old partner during his active first-gen days.
How could Lee Geun-taek not be intrigued?
"Tsk tsk... Picking the winner of Hunters, The Next Generation early."
"You think I'll win?"
"I have no doubt that you’ll not only win, but also make it to the first division league—perhaps even higher."
It was pretty baffling from my perspective.
I couldn't grasp the main point.
All that came to mind was the note's phrasing.
"So, what's this 'interesting thing' you mentioned showing me?"
At that moment, Lee Geun-taek gestured once, and the cloths covering the display cases all dropped.
Revealing them.
...S-rank weapons and specialized mana gear.
"Why show these to me?"
"Don't they tempt you?"
Of course they did—lying would be pointless.
Even without Piercing Eye, anyone could tell they were famous or top-tier at a glance.
I've used some before regressing.
One was even the winner's prize from the event: the special famed sword Caliburn.
A weapon I'd wielded a few times as the winner's perk pre-regression.
Its edge was killer. Even transforming it into a gun felt special.
"If you want, I can lend you one indefinitely."
"Lending? That's stingy. Not even giving it outright."
"You wouldn't say that if you knew their value. Far superior to the famed weapons from Moras Workshop you'll get later."
"Still just weapons."
The old man's stinginess knew no bounds.
Guess he wasn't planning to just hand over a good one since he saw potential.
Well, duh. Nobody gives away steak for free.
"Cut the evasion. Tell me straight—what do you want from me?"
Hoo...
Lee Geun-taek found it intriguing that Lee Chang-hyun didn't dodge the question, instead staring him down and demanding terms.
Anyone else would bow or try to impress upon hearing "first-gen hunter" or "Hunter Association president."
Not a whiff from this kid.
If anything, it felt arrogant—like Spit out what you've prepared, if you dare.
Normally, he'd dismiss it as youthful hubris, but given what he'd shown, it came off as the full confidence of true talent.
His eyes brimmed with pride, as if he was testing Lee Geun-taek, not the other way around.
Life's full of surprises. Never thought I'd play this role.
"Join the Hunter Association. Not as staff, but as a hunter. Do that, and you can borrow any weapon here indefinitely."
"So what's in it for me?"
Lee Geun-taek's face soured.
Joining the Hunter Association was as prestigious as landing a spot in Korea's top private company.
The offer alone was a huge perk, yet this boy acted like it meant nothing.
Like a beast lunging for prey, demanding more.
"Don't you grasp what joining the Hunter Association signifies?"
"Of course I do. But it doesn't add up for me like it would for others. If that's it, I'll be going. Next program's about to start."
He even weaponized time to pressure him.
Backing off now wouldn't cost Lee Geun-taek anything.
The terms were overly generous already.
No matter how stellar a rookie, he's still amateur-to-pro level. Can't offer better than this...
"Aren’t you overestimating yourself? Do you know how many superstar rookies shone in the third or second division, only to fade away before ever climbing higher?"
"Eh, not really curious. Only matters if I can or not. Anyway, Grandpa, thanks for the show during break. See ya."
With a curt nod, Lee Chang-hyun turned and left the way he'd come.
Huh...
This was a standard tactic for recruiting teens, especially rookies.
Kids that age loved simple, straightforward gains—like powerful weapons.
Especially special-to-S-rank ones? Rejecting even a loan? Absurd.
Even Lee Geun-taek hadn't anticipated this.
Fine... I'll watch. Whether you're a dragon or just a snake scorning the yeouiju.