Kim Se-in Becomes an S-Rank Hunter
Kim Se-in had become an S-rank hunter. It was something I'd expected, but actually seeing it happen left me stunned all the same. S-rank hunters were beings above the clouds. The number of them in any given country could be counted on one hand. Cases where an A-rank hunter ascended to S-rank were exceedingly rare.
And yet, I'd made Kim Se-in into an S-rank hunter. Through sex, no less.
Kim Se-in wore the same incredulous expression.
"How... how could this result...?"
She placed her hand on the mana measuring device over and over, checking the results each time. Just like I had when I first awakened from ordinary Awakened to hunter. But no matter how many times she checked, the outcome remained the same. It wouldn't change regardless of the device used.
"Sung-gi-ssi..."
Kim Se-in seemed so shocked she'd even forgotten to feel joy.
"I told you, didn't I? From now on, there'll be no more sadness in your life, Se-in-ssi."
It was a somewhat embarrassing thing to say, but it was also my sincere wish. She'd endured far too much sorrow at such a young age. Compared to what she'd been through, the ten years I'd wandered aimlessly were nothing.
How gratifying it was to have the power to protect her?
"Do you still plan to keep running the guild?"
S-rank hunters rarely operated guilds or clans themselves. The main reason? There was no need. For S-rank hunters whose primary duty was forming parties with fellow S-ranks to conquer S-rank dungeons, the hassle of managing a separate guild or clan held zero appeal.
Korea's S-rank hunters didn't do it, but some foreign ones occasionally ran clans. Their goal wasn't just money—it was a means to pursue power and influence. In a world where wealth and authority gravitated toward hunters, an S-rank dominating a clan or guild held not just symbolic but tangible control over their nation.
Come to think of it, maybe Kang Mancheol had harbored similar ambitions. Since Korea's S-ranks weren't playing that game, perhaps he'd secretly tried it himself with his A-rank nephew? If so, his ambitions were staggeringly vast. It demanded ruthless methods, ultimately hastening his own demise.
"Yes, of course."
Kim Se-in nodded firmly.
"If I want to do it, then I will."
I smiled at her. It was far better for Kim Se-in to run things than to let scum like Kang Mancheol scheme. If a good S-rank hunter brought order to guilds and clans, nothing could be better.
Kang Min was dead, and Kim Se-in was now S-rank, but the matter wasn't fully resolved. Kang Mancheol was still alive and kicking. Even if he hadn't gotten his hands dirty directly, he was a murderer. The fact that every twisted idea had come from his mind made him all the worse. Naturally, I had no intention of letting him live. Seizing his company was just a prelude to making him suffer before death.
Curious about the progress, I called Choi Yunmi. Acquiring a company wouldn't happen overnight, but a check-in was warranted. Besides, I had nothing pressing at the moment.
"Hunter-nim!"
Choi Yunmi answered with eager delight, as if she'd been waiting.
"I was just calling to check on the Kang Mancheol situation."
"Yes, I was about to report in. I held off thinking you might still be sleeping."
"Thank you for all your consideration."
"Oh, come on~ No need for such formalities. It's an honor that you rely on me."
Ever the seasoned businesswoman, Choi Yunmi skipped the small talk and got straight to the point. In summary, Kang Mancheol was cornered on all sides. She'd personally contacted his business partners and severed ties. It seemed almost effortless to topple a rising mid-tier company, but it spoke volumes about her influence.
"He has no options left. He'll hand over the company soon. For free."
"Free?"
Didn't she say 10 billion? Snatching a company worth potentially 100 billion at a tenth the price was already a steal—free?
"Companies of that scale bleed money daily if operations stall. Debts pile up over time. He'll have no choice but to dump the burden while crying."
"I see..."
Choi Yunmi was one scary woman. Good thing she was on our side.
"Hohoho, congratulations in advance, Hunter-nim. How's Se-in-ssi doing?"
"Much better, thanks to you."
"I'm so relieved. As a fellow woman, I can't help but envy her. Meeting a prince on a white horse like you—it's straight out of a movie."
"Hahaha."
I'd told Choi Yunmi that Kim Se-in was doing better, but the truth was beyond that. She'd become an S-rank hunter. I probably was her white knight—saving her life, avenging her, and elevating her to S-rank to boot.
After hanging up, Choi Yunmi decided to contact Kang Mancheol. He was trapped, and it'd be quick before he agreed to hand over the company, but she needed to ensure things proceeded smoothly.
He didn't pick up. Hardly surprising. He'd be dodging a barrage of unwanted calls. Ignoring them was probably his best bet.
She left a message.
Expecting a prompt reply, she waited. But even after closing shop, none came. Only then did she sense something was wrong. Instead, she instructed her staff: Find out where Kang Mancheol was. And track his fund flows.
I got Choi Yunmi's call-back the next day. Her voice was urgent.
"Kang Mancheol's gone into hiding. Doesn't seem to have fled overseas, but I've blocked his exit anyway. And checking his fund outflows... we found something suspicious."
"Suspicious?"
"He wired 5 billion overseas. Untraceable account, but we confirmed it went to Thailand."
"Is he trying to siphon funds and run?"
"Doesn't seem like it. We offered 10 billion ourselves—if he wanted to divert money, he'd have sent it elsewhere, not Thailand. It felt off, so I had to tell you, Hunter-nim."
"Thanks. Could you keep digging if possible? I'll look into it my way too."
"Yes, Hunter-nim. Sorry for the trouble. I should've managed it more tightly."
"It's not your fault, Choi Yunmi-ssi. Don't say that. If I find anything, I'll let you know."
"Thank you, Hunter-nim."
In a way, it was predictable. Cornered with no word from his nephew Kang Min, Kang Mancheol would scramble for a solo escape. Choi Yunmi had likely anticipated as much. Blocking his travel in a day and tracing funds? Her clout was impressive. No wonder she held sway in an industry catering to S-rank hunters.
Her urgency meant something truly fishy was afoot. She hadn't said it outright, but maybe she suspected revenge? As promised, I'd investigate my way.
As a recent ordinary Awakened, my resources were limited. But I had women far more experienced in the pyramid's upper echelons. I decided to consult Kang A-jin, who'd advised from the start.
I called and relayed Choi Yunmi's info. Kang A-jin fell silent on the line, pondering.
"A cornered rat will try anything. But Kang Mancheol's not dumb enough to come at us himself. He's probably sought outside help. Thailand has deep ties to Puleaf, so he knows players there. I should consult Master. She knows far more than I do."
Kang A-jin said she'd talk to Valentina, but the callback came quicker than expected. It was her number, but Valentina's voice answered.
"Darling, that bastard probably reached out to Chichi and Titi. They're Thailand's top poison sorceresses, leading the most skilled assassin group there. The poison in this mess fits, and he must figure they're the only ones worth the try. But 5 billion? Way too cheap for a commission. Bet he didn't mention facing an S-rank. Messing with them spells big trouble. He must've been desperate."