NPCs Love the Land
“President Freddie, please help us. Hasn't America been Korea's eternal ally since ancient times? Please nullify this absurd vote.”
“Ahem, you know as well as I do that it's not that simple, Mr. President.”
“Th-then… what about the cooperation you promised? Are you, are you going to nullify it? Mr. President, Mr. President!”
“Ahem, you know better than anyone that these are unavoidable circumstances. I'm afraid the promise will have to be broken. That's all from me.”
The Korean President wailed desperately at the American President, who abruptly ended the call.
“Mr. President, Mr. President… Puahaha!”
As soon as the line went dead, the Korean President burst into triumphant laughter that seemed to shake the entire office.
Lee Musin, his own lips curled up to his ears, addressed the President.
“You seem quite pleased, Mr. President.”
“Of course I am. These days, this feels like the most enjoyable time I've had. Hahaha.”
Lee Musin felt the same—if not for the President's presence, he'd be roaring with belly laughs himself. It was that refreshing, like all the grime of years had been washed away.
“President Alfredo of the Association has handled things better than expected. Fierce backroom dealings are already underway over potion allocations. The arrows have swung back to him too, so we should be worry-free for the time being.”
“That's a relief. I never imagined the Hunter Law would have such a clause.”
“In truth, 99% of the Hunter Law was drafted under America's lead. It was made to legally seize anything in unforeseen situations like this—and they've been properly bitten this time.”
“But won't this come back as shackles on the NPC later?”
The President spoke with a hint of concern.
“It's unlikely at this point. The Association is already in a frenzy over allocating 1,000 potions. Of course, the Association President's election in three years is a concern, but the 200 we secretly supported him with should make it a fight even against America and China. Three years is plenty of time. Plus, we've agreed to amend the Hunter Law's framework in exchange for guaranteed future potion supplies, so it shouldn't bind the NPC going forward.”
“Is President Alfredo trustworthy?”
“It's less about trust and more that he's clever. He knows exactly who handed him the sword he's wielding now. To keep swinging it for long, he won't betray us first. And he can't betray us. He knows that the moment he drops it, America and China's revenge will come. Reconciliation's impossible too—they're not the type to make peace with a mere swordsman.”
Lee Musin had already plotted a contingency with Alfredo while securing ironclad shackles on him. He'd eliminated every variable, even the remotest possibilities, so he had no major worries.
The President's last lingering shadow of doubt vanished at Lee Musin's response.
“Then that's truly fortunate. The NPC seems almost too good for our country.”
“Yes. We can only say heaven helped us. Honestly, I didn't expect this level of growth. And this is now—what limits are there to his future potential? I can't even fathom it.”
Through this incident, Lee Musin had completely revised his assessment of Kim Suho. He'd thought the newly awakened hunter got lucky making an absurd potion, but no. Kim Suho was a hidden dragon, claws retracted—now bared.
“Director Lee, you're heading back to negotiations?”
“Yes. We're reopening talks on grade adjustment and benefits. Since he brought up recontracting directly, it won't be easy. Factoring in the potions we've received, we'll have to brace ourselves.”
Lee Musin spoke with a touch of worry.
“By presidential authority, I say: Accept any feasible condition unconditionally. If it's impossible, ensure he understands why. If he doesn't, it becomes mere excuse-making. We absolutely cannot allow that mishap.”
Lee Musin nodded vigorously at the President's earnest directive.
“Yes, sir. I'll do my utmost.”
Back in his office after leaving the Blue House, Lee Musin racked his brains, listing every concession he could offer.
But once written down, it all felt insufficient.
“Haa… This is frustrating. It'd be nice if he settled for something moderate, but he's too exceptional—I can't even gauge the baseline.”
Indeed. Kim Suho's abilities were irregular among irregulars.
If it were just skills known among hunters, it'd be simpler. But this was power over humanity's survival.
Seeing his own listed terms made even Lee Musin feel shabby. No country could offer less than this easily.
So, Lee Musin settled on one approach.
“Ask him. Hear what he wants and grant it. That's the only way.”
Abandoning further deliberation, Lee Musin went to meet Kim Suho.
“Everything went well?”
“Yes. President Alfredo has become our hunting dog, biting fiercely. Europe, Africa, and South America have already raised white flags and are wagging their tails before him. America and China are thrown into chaos over follow-ups. And that's not all. With the steady potion supply ahead, they can't escape our grasp.”
Lee Musin beamed, his face blooming with satisfaction.
I couldn't help but smile at the news of our success.
“This is all thanks to you, NPC. Thank you again.”
“No, it's because you chose the right person, Director.”
In the warm atmosphere of exchanged compliments, Lee Musin cautiously broached the topic.
“NPC, along with your irregular grade adjustment, I'd like to make a new proposal.”
Here it comes, I thought. Curious what he'd offer.
“Effective immediately, your grade rises from 1st to the top-tier Zero Grade.”
Zero Grade. Sounded cooler than 1st Grade, but I didn't show it—might come off as chuunibyou.
“Benefits for Zero Grade include a monthly spending limit increased to 20 billion won, and…”
Lee Musin trailed off, sighed, then continued frankly.
“…To be honest, even Zero Grade isn't much different from 1st. Money's no object—if you want it, we can provide anytime, so limits mean little. So, do you have specific conditions you'd prefer?”
He was right. Just ask for money when needed; monthly caps were meaningless. Same for other perks.
Then came the unexpected.
Like slapping someone who's already crying. But he'd laid the table—time to play along.
“I want land.”
“L-land?”
Caught off-guard? Lee Musin stammered but recovered quickly. No desire was the real problem; land was manageable.
“Which region's land?”
His face eased at my request.
Hard-to-buy areas via cash? He could change greenbelt zoning. Owned land? State power could force sales.
“Not a specific region—just as much as possible, wherever available.”
“As much as possible?”
“Yes. Buying directly hit snags. Mismatches between buildings and land, owners jacking up prices knowing my interest, refusals to sell. Worst, buying too much under my name risks exposure.”
Lee Musin nodded at my explanation.
“Personal purchases have limits. But could you elaborate on 'as much as possible'?”
Not grasping the scale, he asked again. I clarified my vision.
“Frankly: All land possible without exposing my identity. No limits.”
“Hmm, no limits…”
He let out a low sigh, and I continued.
“More precisely, it's not the land itself— just legal ownership. No selling or transferring. If I leave Korea, I'd return it unchanged. Same if I die. Existing buildings or residents stay untouched. I just need the title. Wider the better, if possible.”
“Ah!”
His tense face relaxed with realization.
“One concern: One person owning so much land could spark issues. Please find a good solution—ideally without revealing me.”
“Naturally. Your existence must remain hidden.”
Seemingly feasible, his expression lightened.
“Understood. No immediate solution comes to mind, so I can't answer now. But I'll return soon with something satisfactory. Please wait just a bit.”
With resolute determination, Lee Musin hurried out.
“How much will he secure… Definitely more than I could alone.”
I knew limits existed despite saying none, but he'd get more than me.
Originally, I'd planned to gradually buy surrounding land from this building.
Problems abounded.
Sudden bulk buys by one person would draw attention. Buildings often matched owners, forcing full purchases at huge costs. Wise to demand from Lee Musin? No.
Worst: Owners flat-out refusing.
Unexpected. With Origin Potion Workshop moving, a vacant building behind caught my eye.
Initial refusal seemed price haggling, so I upped offers. When it exceeded 5x, I realized: No way.
Rumors would spread, inflating prices absurdly, crashing local real estate.
To resolve without chaos, I turned to Lee Musin.
Ball's in his court now—he'd deliver good results.
“A whole neighborhood would be ideal. Enough to roam freely.”
Couldn't stay cooped up here forever. Not some demon king in a castle—this was prison.
No guarantee my identity stayed hidden eternally; land thirst was inevitable.
Reality was tough, hence passing to Lee Musin. Wonder how much he'd bring.
I knew from experience: Tough demand.
Might stir 'government coveting citizens' assets' backlash. They'd tread carefully.
Still, I trusted Lee Musin to find a smart way.
To be continued in the next chapter… The Hunter Who Awakened as an NPC