Chapter 30
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 30
Chapter Title: A-Rank Hunters Have No Romance (2)
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"Hey, Hero."
"Why?"
"When are you gonna learn some magic...?"
"Eh, I have to learn magic too? Why?"
"You've been coming and going from the palace and the magic tower for over half a year, and you're spouting this nonsense? You lunatic."
Why don't I know about this? Sio's words sound completely new to me, so I rummage through my memories. Was there a time when the emperor scolded me to learn magic? It feels like there might have been.
Hero. The Sword Saint and Magic Tower Lord who will instruct you have already arrived. Please make your decision.
Ah.
The memory finally surfaces, and I let out a gasp of admiration.
"Oh, Sio. You've got a good memory~ Is that what makes you the Sword Saint?"
"A hero can get by even with a memory in shreds. Sounds nice."
Eh, the Tower Lord must be enjoying a vacation vibe too. Nice for him~
The person greeting us in the palace reception room, leisurely sipping tea, is waiting there.
"Haha~ Hello. You've been frequenting the palace for quite a while now, but this is our first proper introduction. I'm Lisroom Avaritia, Lord of the White Magic Tower."
The handsome, tall man says as much. He's the master of the magic tower, here to teach me.
"For now, I'm Ansiu, the hero. And it's not my fault. No one nagged me to learn magic, so I didn't know. It's the emperor's fault. Mhm."
And I say this. It's not my fault; no one told me. I'm innocent.
Ugh, how pathetic. And that's supposed to be a hero...
"Sio, shut up."
Of course~ How could a lowly swordsman like me disobey the noble hero's command to be silent~
Time for a hierarchy check soon.
I don't consider him an elder or master.
"It's fine~ Being cooped up in the magic tower every day gets pretty boring. I've gotten plenty of rest thanks to that, so it's not bad at all."
Compared to that incompetent master of his, this one exudes a natural politeness and kindness. He's kept a smile on his face without a single frown, and every word is laced with consideration.
"This is what a master looks like. This is the bearing of the strong."
A nobility different from that old guy over there.
Is he insane...? This guy's completely ungrateful?
"Ahaha..., you two get along well~"
""Where does it look like we get along?""
Seren says it, and now the Tower Lord too. Their eyes look a bit off.
This month's top registered hunter!
The announcer on TV continues the broadcast with her stunning looks, precise diction, and captivating topics. It's impossible not to focus on her emphasized tone, and equally impossible not to despair at what follows.
Up until now, it was Hunter Jeong Suxian~ Next up..., wow~ This is impressive. A hunter registered as a top-rank after re-measurement! Hunter Ansiu, who was initially D-rank on first registration! In just half a year, he re-awakened and shot straight up to A-rank~ Probably the biggest leap in the world! Three ranks at once!
Exaggeration for hype always works wonders. Especially on public broadcast, its influence spreads even further.
Who wouldn't pay attention at this level~ Top ranks don't even produce five a month! In a word, a supernova! Su·per·no·va!
The rising viewership spurs the announcer's wit even more. This must be the highlight; the director's probably ramping up focus too.
I didn't want this.
So! Guild representatives! If you're interested in recruiting~, please contact the Hunter Association~ Oh, and by the way, he's said to be family of Hunter An Sihyun, Team 2 Leader of the Hunter Management Division! A-rank hunter siblings? Amazing~
And being handsome helps too, right~? Haha, that's all for today on the siblings with incredible genes, brother Ansiu Hunter~
"Oppa, relax your face a bit...."
The voice from beside me is full of hesitation. She's hovering around me like a pet that did something wrong, looking exactly the part.
"....They didn't do this when I first registered. Why... are they blasting it on broadcast too...?"
I hang my head, steeped in despair. Covering my face with both hands, I let out a sigh. Getting attention again feels like death to me.
"No.... Oppa, it's not that bad...? Look at me. I'm A-rank too and living normally. No, even better off."
"They won't let me live normally. Why drag guilds into it on broadcast...?"
"Hmm..., A-rank and above are super rare. Less than 5% of hunters, top-tier talent."
"Ah, first off, the Hunter Association has always had its share of insiders. Some are dedicated, others not. So info leaks no matter what. Not top-secret level, but new hunter details spread fast."
"And with A-rank being premium, guilds naturally covet them. There've been conflicts over new top hunters in the past, even shady dealings. That's why they do this—broadcast first to protect you and curb guild infighting."
The explanation makes sense, but my pursed lips stay pouty, full of gloom.
"Didn't know you'd hate it this much. Kinda feel bad. Pineapple pizza?"
"Sure...."
Even pineapple pizza doesn't lift my mood. My phone won't stop vibrating.
[Kim Jaehyun]: Guys~ Siwoo on TV as A-rank hunter!
[Lee Jiu]: Whoa~ Now we can ask for help openly~
[Yoo Junhyuk]: Lmao jackpot. Siwoo rich now? Buy me a car.
I glance at the chaos on my phone and look away. Better turn it off for a while.
Thus, I steel myself to live cut off from the world.
A bright morning, and my usual wake-up time feels tedious now. No matter how comfy the bed, the cool breeze, or the quiet—no noise at all—my eyes pop open early.
Just coming to, my clear vision takes in the room at once. Same window, sunlight filtering in, big closet with my clothes, long desk beside it, computer on top.
Should be reassuring in its sameness, but one thing sets my room apart. Amid the unchanging routine, those ever-piling letters and documents make me sigh endlessly.
"Ughhhh.... Stop sending them...!"
The mail addressed to me started stacking in my room, now forming mountains. Neatly piled past the limit, covering a corner—checked and rejected daily, yet they keep growing.
Even after holing up at home for a week post-broadcast, declaring my intent, the mail piles up. So today, I just check them one by one.
Mobidic Guild would like to welcome Hunter Ansiu.
Astra Guild promises the industry's highest salary.
From Silas Guild, ranked 10th among domestic guilds...
We at [Guild] for Hunter Ansiu...
[Guild]...
Hello. This is Team Leader Kim Jiyeon. Up to 150 million won at 10% annual interest...
What the hell is the last one.
I thought I needed to start working, but this is too much.
Oppa, I weeded out the really sketchy guilds myself, but you gotta read the rest. There are year-end invites and regular letters mixed in. Too many to check closely, so handle it!
Sihyun said that and fled to work without meeting my eyes. Said it was nothing like when she awakened, she was flustered too.
How about joining me in a gate? Not recruitment. Just curious about the supernova.
The letter in my hand now. Unlike the others, it hooks me from the start. Simply invites to a gate together, with a phone number.
I chuckle at the letter revealing the sender's personality. Pure curiosity, no greed or desire—it piques mine too.
If my proposal interests you, call the number below. 「Lee Yuna」
I don't usually fall for these. But this one makes me think, maybe it'll be okay.
I dial the number. The familiar tone connects after a few rings.
Hello.
A curt, concise tone matching the writing. Thin but firm voice—my gut says this person's alright.
So I reply.
"Hello. Want to hit a gate together?"