Chapter 140
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 140
Most high-profile Hunters kept managers.
“Well, you can think of them as a kind of secretary,” Yoo Seong-un said.
“Would someone like me, who rarely even goes outside, need a secretary?”
“Of course, secretaries do things like organize busy schedules, but…”
There were other duties as well.
“Their most important job is managing a person’s public image and private life.”
In South Korea, where Hunters were treated like celebrities, it was common for them to hire managers.
“There’s such a strong admiration for Hunters here that their public image is a huge part of their career. How a Hunter is perceived by the public is crucial.”
“Aren’t Hunters simply professionals whose job is to defeat monsters and criminals?”
“You could think of them as somewhere between a soldier and a celebrity. Granted, most Hunters aren’t government employees, but they share characteristics with both professions.”
Moving to the parking lot, Yoo Seong-un gestured for Gio to get in.
“Take whichever seat is comfortable. I’ll drive.”
“Then may I sit in the passenger seat?”
“Of course. It’ll be easier to talk.”
Once they were in the car, Yoo Seong-un resumed the conversation.
“So, the reason I’m suggesting you hire a manager is…”
With a soft purr, the engine started.
“You don’t really know how the world works yet.”
“That is true.”
“If you’re going to keep using the identity of ‘Hunter Seo Gio,’ it would be best to have an assistant by your side.”
“An assistant…”
“Like a guide who can teach you how to navigate the world as a Hunter.”
In fact, many rookie Hunters hired managers for that exact reason.
“A Hunter’s duties vary wildly depending on their specialty, but the most fundamental thing to manage is the image you present to the public.”
“I would like to hear your situation as an example, Mr. Yoo Seong-un.”
“In my case, I decided from the start not to let my image be consumed by the public. I identify more as a Gardener than a Hunter, and since I used to be the Association’s research team leader… it would be awkward for me to step into the spotlight as a public figure.”
“Is that because of the risk of leaking important information?”
“That’s part of it, but I also just don’t have the energy to spare for image management. If I have time to stand before the public offering hope and smiles, it’s far more rational to use that time to get a little more sleep.”
Yoo Seong-un was a capable Hunter, a veteran Gardener, a former research team leader for the Association, and now a member of Bisabeol and a curator for the Collector. If he had to manage his public image on top of all that, even five bodies wouldn’t be enough.
Although Yoo Seong-un’s eyes looked fine as he smoothly drove the car, they seemed hollow.
“I need rest too, you know.”
“Oh, dear. If you ever need sweet snacks, please let me know.”
“Rather than snacks… just invite me over again next time.”
“As my friend, Mr. Yoo Seong-un, you are welcome to visit anytime.”
“Thanks. I feel like I’d sleep really well there.”
There was the minor drawback of a slight threat of species alteration, but one only had to look at Cha Ah-ra and Ju-hyeon to see the benefits. Gio’s cabin was perfectly optimized for humans to rest and recover.
Though that’s only for humans Gio actually likes.
Yoo Seong-un quickly brushed the thought aside with a casual smile.
“Anyway, I’m just too busy to care about my image. Besides me, there are plenty of unofficial, underground-type Hunters who avoid the public for various reasons. The Collector Guild, which operates like a corporation, has many of them.”
“Can’t I just remain an unofficial Hunter like them?”
“I’m an A-Rank Hunter like you and have a history of activity, but I worked under non-disclosure agreements from the very beginning. You, on the other hand, already have a decent amount of recognition, so it’ll be tough. For some reason, there are quite a few people who remember you.”
“I don’t have the confidence to maintain a celebrity-like career. I’ll probably end up in the Abyss over some scandal.”
“I… understand the feeling. If it’s too burdensome, you can choose to stay out of sight as much as possible. People seem to think you’re cultivating an air of mystery, but if you keep hiding, you’ll eventually be forgotten.”
New Awakeners and Hunters appeared constantly. With the number of Hunters seeking public recognition growing exponentially, he would eventually be forgotten if he just stayed quiet.
“But if you’re going to remain active as Hunter Seo Gio, it’ll be hard to completely avoid the public eye.”
“As long as I don’t make official appearances, shouldn’t it be fine?”
“Well, humans have a nasty habit of digging deeper the more their curiosity is piqued.”
“Am I someone who piques the public’s curiosity?”
“You clearly have star quality, yet you never appear in the press or on any media.”
How should he put it?
“It’s like… a hidden picture puzzle? That’s the feeling you give off.”
Since Gio was a portrait, the comparison to a “hidden picture puzzle” was quite fitting, and it wasn’t wrong, either.
“And that mystique also matches the public’s perception of the ‘Black Cloak.’”
“You mean there’s a possibility people might realize that the Black Cloak and I are the same person.”
“Exactly. So, before someone decides to dig into your background, it’s a good strategy to present the image you want them to see first.”
A handsome, star-quality A-Rank Hunter who refused to show his face to the public. Though only a few people remembered him, preventing a massive uproar, those few were still searching for “Hunter Seo Gio.”
“If more people like that crop up, it’ll get pretty troublesome. You’ll even get paparazzi following you.”
“Would they really do that even if I don’t engage in official activities?”
“If something like the ‘Deep Sea Temple’ incident happens again, are you just going to stay hidden?”
“Well, I would quietly help people from behind the scenes.”
“If you act like that, people will have no choice but to remember you.”
A Hunter who silently performed good deeds and showed mercy without revealing himself was bound to become incredibly popular.
“To be honest, ‘Hunter Seo Gio’ has too many qualities that people adore.”
It would not be easy for him to be forgotten.
“So what I’m saying is, it might be better to strike first before some fools try to dig up your past. If you reveal Hunter Seo Gio’s basic profile and image first, people’s curiosity will be satisfied, and they won’t feel the need to investigate your background. It would be the best way to completely separate the images of ‘Hunter Seo Gio’ and the ‘Black Cloak.’”
“Would people still investigate me even after their curiosity is satisfied?”
“Those kinds of people are everywhere. Even I have them. In my case, because of my history with the Association, my information is very tightly controlled, and yet it still happens. For someone like you, who isn’t managed by the government or the Association, they’ll think there’s even more to dig up.”
Yoo Seong-un smiled casually.
“Of course, this is all assuming you want to keep using the identity of ‘Hunter Seo Gio’…”
“I still do not fully understand my role, but I am satisfied with my current identity.”
“In that case, it would definitely be better to manage your image a bit. Even monsters living in the mountains will come down to human settlements if they run out of food.”
“Monsters?”
“Yeah. If they’re hungry and there’s nothing to feed them, they’ll start pestering innocent people. I’m telling you to throw them some bait.”
“Then I will put some effort into minimal image management.”
Gio asked with a gentle smile, “So, will I be hiring a manager?”
“We’ll… put some serious thought into that,” Yoo Seong-un laughed awkwardly. “Or you could recommend a human you like first.”
Though they talked about this and that, the most important thing was that Gio’s Portrait was not displeased. Yoo Seong-un hoped that, if possible, this gentlemanly Origin would never, ever grow to hate humans.
“It’s not urgent, so you can take your time thinking about it.”
“I see.”
“And to explain further…”
“I am listening.”
“A manager doesn’t just handle image management.”
“Like you mentioned earlier, they act as a guide.”
“Yes, a guide. And an assistant.” Yoo Seong-un nodded. “Unless they grew up with Hunter parents, most Hunters are completely lost at first. Even if they want to become famous and appear on TV, they don’t know how to go about it.”
“That makes sense.”
“They help with a Hunter’s social life—what kind of work to do, what activities will raise your profile, where Hunters gather to socialize, and so on.”
“That certainly seems like something I need.” Gio looked deeply impressed. “Forget being a Hunter, I was already worried about how to live as a citizen of South Korea.”
“True, there’s a limit to how much I can keep teaching you…” Yoo Seong-un let out a hollow laugh. “I’m sorry I’m such a busy person.”
“No, on the contrary, I find you admirable.”
“That is… very kind of you to say.” It was also a burdensome statement. He calls it admiration, but it’s probably closer to expectation, and that’s a burden in itself.
Yoo Seong-un cleared his throat and continued.
“You also occasionally have trouble with modern technology, don’t you?”
“You are correct, Mr. Yoo Seong-un.”
“It would be great to find a manager who can help you in those areas as well.”
Gio would suddenly try to pay for things with jewels, show up barefoot in public, and ask all sorts of questions because he didn’t understand human culture.
“Of course, it’s not a major issue right now, but it would be good for you to learn a thing or two, wouldn’t it?”
“Indeed. I was actually wondering if I should enroll in a school to learn the knowledge necessary for daily life.”
“School? Ah, I see. But enrolling in school at your age would definitely draw too much attention…”
Gio had likely thought of it because he viewed school as “a place where humans learn wisdom for daily and social life.” Still, there was no way they could actually enroll him.
“In that case, the person who becomes your manager will need to be quite a multi-talented individual.”
“It would be even better if they were someone who isn’t afraid of me, even after learning I am the Black Cloak.”
“…Someone who isn’t afraid of you. Right. I’ll do my best to find someone.”
“Ah,” Yoo Seong-un let out a soft exclamation and asked, “Have you ever contacted other gods before?”
“I interact with my father often.”
“I mean… not your creator, but a completely different god.”
“I have never done so.” Gio laughed as if he had just heard a funny joke. “How could an ordinary person like me frequently interact with a god?”
“…” Yoo Seong-un forced a smile, pressing his lips together. “I see.”
“Please think of me as an ordinary person.”
“Of course, our Gio is indeed very ordinary.” There was nothing he wouldn’t do if the Origin requested it. “Didn’t you lock eyes with the Light of Fairness at the Sun Cult last time?”
“If you mean the Light of Fairness, you must be referring to the Goddess of the Sun Cult. I have not met her again since then.”
“Then this will be your first meeting, god to god.”
“You are correct, Mr. Yoo Seong-un.”
“Hmm…” Letting out a small groan, Yoo Seong-un asked, “Do you think there might be an accident?”
“I believe I am past the age of being a troublemaker.”
“What about as Arjio?”
“I am not entirely sure since I haven’t fully assimilated, but that is precisely why it is safe.”
“Because you don’t have full control in that form?”
“Though that form is also me, so calling it a matter of ‘control’ is a bit ambiguous.”
“Is that so? Well, as long as you don’t intend to start a fight, that’s fine.”
Yoo Seong-un also understood the mechanism of how Gio’s Portrait served as the Eye of the Origin. Arjio, who introduced himself as an Evil God, was simply “Gio,” not “Gio’s Portrait.”
Since Gio said he won’t cause trouble, I’ll take his word for it.
Still, just in case, Yoo Seong-un decided to prepare him for any unforeseen circumstances.
“The God of Death you are about to meet is a traditional Evil God.”
“A traditional Evil God?”
“A god who, despite being born within Providence, exerts a negative influence on humans.” He was an indigenous god of Earth. “He is also the twin god of the God of Birth. Perhaps because he has existed on Earth for a very long time, he is extremely gentle and soft-spoken. He isn’t a god who actively interferes with humans, either.”
“Then he might not even react to my visit.”
“That’s possible, or he might spare you a glance like the Sun Goddess did. However, the God of Death is one of the few gods who has a manifestation body on Earth, so there’s a high chance of communication.”
“What is a manifestation body?”
“It’s like a doll created by divinities, who are nearly intangible, so they can visit the human world. It’s a slightly different case, but it’s similar to the teddy bear your father possessed.”
“Ah.” Gio nodded with a smile. “I understand.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
To Yoo Seong-un, it was truly astonishing that a teddy bear could be compared to a manifestation body.
“The Temple of Death is just past the tollgate.”
“I look forward to it.”
“Though it’s not very popular, since it’s the temple of an Evil God…”
As they were chatting back and forth, Death opened his eyes.
* * *
“…”
Death looked at his daughter.
“My… daughter…”
“Lord Death, what has caused you to open your eyes?”
“…A cruel… divinity…”
“By a cruel divinity, do you mean an Evil God?”
“…Desires… an… invitation…”
“There was indeed one request for permission to visit.” The woman bowed her head deeply. “What would you have me do?”
“…Guide… them…” Death whispered from behind the veil. “I shall see for myself.”
Would it be a sinner, Providence, or a hero?
Or if not, what on earth could it be?