086. 2nd Division Player and Former 3rd Division Player
Even before his regression, while competing in the international league as a 2nd Division player and later dipping into 3rd Division matches, Lee Chang-hyun had used relics a few times. But this sensation? It was completely new.
What's the difference here?
He couldn't pinpoint it exactly right now. Still, he could feel the relic hanging around his neck—once given to him by Lee Geun-taek—now brimming with mana thanks to the old man's actions. Mana surged within it, ready to unleash some extraordinary power at any moment.
And sure enough...
◈ Puts the target into a Silence state for a set duration.
'Piercing Eye can see the ability now?'
It hadn't shown up before when he'd received it... but suddenly? This relic felt distinctly different from the others he'd tested pre-regression.
'Silence state...?'
The name fit the effect perfectly, but he couldn't help wondering if it had any real practical value right now.
That doubt vanished in an instant, replaced by a flash of insight that flipped his thinking 180 degrees.
'This thing might just be...'
...broken OP. Maybe even more than some universe-destroying death ray.
A grin crept onto his face unbidden. He had a feeling the day he'd unleash this relic wasn't far off.
The awards ceremony wrapped up, and the rowdy party atmosphere roared back to life. The chatter had shifted since the ceremony and Lee Geun-taek's speech, of course—but with every hunter now inside the hall, unlike before the event started, the networking buzzed with extra energy.
Their table was no exception. Yi Gil-han chatted with his old PER teammates who'd scattered to other squads. Yoon Han-gyeol sought out friends he'd teamed up with during Hunters Next Generation. Everyone reconnected with familiar faces or scouted new ones.
'Feels just like pre-regression... fresh memories bubbling up.'
He spotted Kang Jun-hyuk's table, swarmed by a sea of people. Imagining the guy graciously greeting each one brought a chuckle. That had been his seat once. He knew the vibe all too well.
Maybe this was his last chance to relax at these parties. After this season, PER would probably climb to 1st Division.
Lost in the vibe for a moment, he noticed a group approaching their table.
"Lee Chang-hyun, right? How've you been?"
It was Jo Ah-ra's voice. He'd half-expected her casual tone, but this was their first off-the-record chat. Honestly? Kinda nice.
Back during Hunters Next Generation, he'd wondered if she disliked him—her judging had felt harsh. Guess time heals those grudges into fondness.
"Doing great. Enjoying the party?"
"Me? I've been to too many of these; nothing new to thrill me. You should be the one having fun, Mr. Rising Star."
Jo Ah-ra chuckled for some reason. Had she been drinking?
"...? Who's that peeking from behind you, Judge Jo?"
Something—or someone—poked out from behind her.
"Oh, her? That's Min-sol. Sweet kid, just shy. And drop the 'judge' bit—call me Jo Ah-ra. That's all in the past now."
Lee Min-sol? The one who'd trailed after his team during training? Eh, forgettable faces didn't matter.
"And... sorry. About the judging."
Jo Ah-ra gave a wry smile, glancing upward.
"Lee Geun-taek himself calls you a gem—what was I thinking? Guess I lacked vision. Back then, I figured you were just a tricksy player, so I rigged the events to be extra tough to weed you out..."
Her broadcasts had come off negative, but rigging events? News to him.
'Objectively, though—those interviews and reviews were pretty snarky.'
But things were different now. He'd proven himself. In this world, skill was king.
"Jun-hyuk's picky too, but he's got high hopes. Looking forward to more from you, Chang-hyun. Just wanted to say sorry tonight."
"Honestly, didn't sweat it. No need to overthink."
Water under the bridge. The warm exchange flowed until Lee Min-sol, now glued to Jo Ah-ra's side, pointed at him accusingly.
"Okay, but seriously—how'd you pull that off?"
"...?"
"You know, with Lee Geun-taek."
Ah. So the apology was just a pretext for the real question. Jo Ah-ra looked curious too.
"Not just us—everyone's dying to know. Your only connection was that one clash in Hunters – Next Generation. How'd you win over the Hunter Association president like that?"
Hmm. Misunderstanding. He'd met Lee Geun-taek plenty post-show, and they shared untold stories.
'During the audition, I told him I was the one picking him.'
And PER's handover. Advice sessions. Love calls. Networking intros. In hindsight, the relic gift felt natural.
But backstory stayed backstory. Only the parties involved needed to know. The essence? Crystal clear.
"Obvious, right? Lee Geun-taek, 1st-gen legend, saw my skill. That's it. What else?"
Jo Ah-ra and Lee Min-sol looked disappointed—no juicy secret.
"Don't get me wrong, Chang-hyun—you're talented. But with me, Lee Min-seok sunbae, and Kang Jun-hyuk around..."
"Sure, you all outclass me now."
'Bloom levels aren't maxed, stats still growing.'
"Ever wonder, Jo Ah-ra? If Lee Geun-taek had played pro, where he'd rank?"
"..."
Too obvious to answer? If he'd competed, no mere Korean #1—he'd battle for world top spots. Jo Ah-ra knew, with her international experience.
"He's looking at the future, not the present. Otherwise, it'd be Kang Jun-hyuk in the spotlight."
"Future potential..." Jo Ah-ra murmured.
Lee Min-sol wasn't satisfied. "Fine, expectations on you—whatever. But handing his personal relic to a guy barely scraping into 2nd Division? If you flop, it tarnishes him too. There has to be more."
Fair point. Risky move for the president.
"Dunno. But he had his reasons, right?"
Maybe unshakable faith. Or a test: Can you uphold the relic's legacy? Either way, fine by him.
After Jo Ah-ra and Lee Min-sol left, more hunters swung by. Audition buddies. 3rd Division acquaintances.
"Lee Chang-hyun? Man, back in 3rd Division, I called you'd blow up."
"Yo, grab food sometime. Spill some 3rd Div dirt. Audition crew misses you—show your face."
Fuzzy memories resurfaced. But nostalgia faded quick.
'Got too caught up...'
He stood, wandering the hall. Post-ceremony buffet lines formed. Hunters crowded analog arcade games.
'That...?'
The biggest draw? The Hunter Comprehensive Simulation corner, packed for betting games.
"Lee Min-seok shatters Kang Jun-hyuk's record! Unbelievable speed! Will... will Kang fall?!"
Neutral monster time attack: Fastest to down a big AI beast with standard gear wins.
"Flawless blade work from the rested vet! Lee Min-seok clocks 3:29—13.259 seconds ahead!"
"Wooooah!!!!"
Sweaty Lee Min-seok wiped his brow. Exhausted Kang Jun-hyuk wasn't faring better.
"Still can't top you, sunbae."
"Event favored me—experience matters."
Spotting Chang-hyun, Lee Min-seok grinned. "Chang-hyun interested?"
"Looks fun."
"Tougher than it seems."
Lee Min-seok smirked. "Promotion maps had few neutrals... Audition was just a taste. Player vs. monster? Night and day."
"Yeah? Still intriguing."
True. Different approaches per monster type demanded vast knowledge—like fencing diverse foes. 3rd Div rookies struggled most here.
So Lee Min-seok's concern made sense, even after praising him.
'Won't be an issue, though.'
Perfect timing for a monster warm-up—
"Lee Min-seok sunbae's right. Rookies, man. No clue on neutral spawns or takedowns, just jumping in 'cause crowds."
"Wasn't Ji-hoo betting someone?"
"Nah, as a sunbae, I'll step aside for the kid's education. Or you teach him nice—2nd Div style."
The targeted "Ji-hoo" smirked meaningfully.
"Hey, not chickening out now, are ya?"
Speak of the devil. Perfect self-destructing bait.