Dungeon Studies Research Institute 1
It was a decision that shattered what had been my absolute rule until now, a taboo I never broke. For safety's sake, I never wandered outside the designated NPC zones even within Korea. I stayed holed up in the guild building like some shut-in hermit.
Even when deciding to relocate to the Hunter Management Bureau, Lee Musin had struggled with this issue. Naturally, safety was guaranteed inside the bureau, but I insisted on keeping the Support Guild building as land registered in my name.
Despite it being an unreasonable demand, Lee Musin secured approval from the president and accommodated me. That way, even after moving into the Hunter Management Bureau, I maintained my NPC zone.
Yet here I was, brazenly breaking my ironclad principle.
Of course, it wasn't a thoughtless remark. I'd confirmed a few conditions, and if they were met, I concluded it was entirely feasible to head to the World Hunter Association.
But Lee Musin, unaware of my thinking, was stunned and asked again.
"Pardon? You're going to the Hunter Association? Are you serious?"
Given my actions so far, it was completely out of character, so his shock was off the charts.
"Yes. But there are a few prerequisites that need to be handled first. Of course, they're only possible once I can enter the Dungeon Studies Research Institute."
"Understood. That's fully feasible."
With his assurance, I laid out the conditions I'd prepared.
"What I need is…"
"Hey, no matter how I look at it, this feels like I'm taking a loss. If it's a business trip, shouldn't there be a separate travel allowance?"
Choi Taesu grumbled at me as we boarded the plane to Switzerland.
"I made the offer, and you accepted it, didn't you, Brain Emperor? If you don't like my proposal, you can get off the plane right now."
My firm response made the grumbling Choi Taesu back down immediately.
"When did I say I was getting off? I was just saying. Ugh, you're such a sly bastard."
I brushed off Choi Taesu's complaints with a light smile.
Come to think of it, this is my first trip abroad. Well, not exactly a vacation?
Even though the plane hadn't taken off yet, the airport scenery visible through the window felt novel.
And for good reason—this was the first time in my life riding a plane.
In high school, sudden appendicitis kept me from joining the school trip, so I missed my chance. After that, I kept my distance from travel altogether, so there was never a need. Now, finally boarding one, I felt an unexpected thrill.
The captain's announcement played, and soon the plane taxied down the runway before lifting off.
That's when a commotion erupted from the seat next to me.
"Whoa! It's taking off, taking off! Hey, look—it's really flying. This heavy chunk of metal is actually flying!"
I stared at the excited Choi Taesu with deadpan eyes and said, "Brain Emperor, is this your first time on a plane? Why are you making such a fuss? Everyone's staring—keep it down."
"Yeah, first time for me. But what did I do? Weren't you guys amazed your first time too? And what, you think yelling's gonna make it crash? Why don't you just crash it then?"
Fortunately, his volume dropped a bit this time, but the intensity ramped up.
"That sounds a bit dangerous. And if the plane crashes and I die, you won't get that magic pattern engraving we agreed on—or any of my future favors. You okay with that?"
"I'm fine. Even if it crashes, I'll save you. Gotta get that engraving, after all."
I could only shake my head at Choi Taesu's bold declaration.
Luckily, his excitement didn't last long. Once the plane was airborne and the view outside became monotonous, he lost interest and turned to his game.
At least that's a relief. I convinced the Brain Emperor, and everything's falling into place.
Leaving Choi Taesu immersed in his game, I reflected on the efforts I'd made to depart for Switzerland.
The conditions I set for Lee Musin weren't numerous, but each was no small task.
First was a new identity for use at the Dungeon Studies Research Institute. This time, I wanted not just a fake ID but a full appearance change.
I planned to stay low-profile, but Kim Suho the enchanter was already somewhat known, so altering my looks was essential.
Lee Musin handled that perfectly. Among items stored at the Hunter Management Bureau was a mask that changed one's facial features when infused with mana. Found in a dungeon treasure chest, it solved my appearance worries completely.
Second was securing my own building in Switzerland, where the institute was located. Fortunately, this was straightforward too. Considering external eyes, we purchased a modestly sized house.
Finally, I needed a bodyguard. My purpose in Switzerland was clear—no distractions. But I couldn't guarantee smooth trips between the institute and home. And with no set duration, I needed protection for any contingencies.
The moment I thought of a bodyguard, one person popped into my head.
"Are you insane? Why the hell should I go all the way to Switzerland to play your errand boy?"
As expected, Choi Taesu pushed back hard.
"Forgot already? One-time use ticket."
"That's literally just once. A one-and-done. You trying to get it for free?"
Despite his protests, I kept my relaxed smile. I had plenty of ways to reel him in.
"If I return to Korea safely, I'll engrave a magic pattern on your personal leather armor. Oh, and a new one's coming soon—Mana Amplification, was it?"
"Of course our guild master needs my protection. What if something happens in a foreign land?"
Unaware I'd reclassify him under guild rules anyway, Choi Taesu fell for it hook, line, and sinker, deciding to join me to Switzerland.
Finally here. Once I check the dungeon books, I'll head straight back.
Departing Korea felt routine, but arriving at the Swiss airport brought tension—being far from home.
Exiting the gate, I spotted a sign.
[Welcome, Mr. Kim Taehoon.]
Kim Taehoon—my identity for the Dungeon Studies Research Institute.
I approached the man holding the sign.
"Mr. Kim Taehoon, welcome. I'm Choi Hyeon-sik, assigned to handle your convenience during your stay."
Choi Hyeon-sik was a Hunter Management Bureau agent dispatched with Ambassador Kim Yeonggwang, tasked with embassy duties and now me during my time in Switzerland.
Of course, he didn't know my true identity—just that I was a hunter here for institute work.
Under his guidance, we arrived at a three-story house in a residential area, its red roof fitting perfectly.
"Shall we unpack and grab a meal? There's a nice restaurant nearby. Then maybe some Geneva sightseeing?"
"Sure, let's do that."
The institute started tomorrow anyway. Once there, I'd likely be buried in books, so I decided to enjoy this first—and probably last—leisure time.
No way something happens on day one. Plus, the Brain Emperor's with me.
His speech and mannerisms still made it hard to believe, but Choi Taesu was Korea's strongest hunter. According to Lee Musin, even globally, he ranked in the absolute top class.
Last year, hunter experts selected the world's 50 strongest without rankings—Choi Taesu was Korea's sole entry. He also made the top 10 for wide-area attack power, his strength renowned worldwide.
With him guarding me, worrying was silly. Honestly, I'd been anxious until exiting the airport, doubting if his personality would let him focus. But the moment we deplaned, the Choi Taesu I knew vanished.
He felt like a razor-sharp blade—touch it, lose a finger. From airport to lodging, he never slipped once.
Seeing that erased my last lingering worry.
Unpacking mere clothes took seconds. Then, savoring rare leisure, we toured Geneva.
Thus ended my first day in Switzerland.
The Dungeon Studies Research Institute sat right beside the World Hunter Association in a standalone building—like a massive rectangular brick. No windows except the entrance; only one story above ground, so major facilities were clearly underground.
Now, to enter, I had to part with Choi Taesu. He spat words that were worry, threat, or both.
"Call when you're done. Don't think about heading home alone if I don't pick up. If something happens and I can't reach you, stay put and sleep here. If I don't get that engraving because of trouble, you're dead meat."
After parting with Choi Taesu, I entered the building.
Inside: four guards and a security desk.
"How may I help you?"
"I'm Kim Taehoon from Korea, starting at the Dungeon Studies Research Institute today. Here's my access permit from the institute. I'd like to request Choi Kyunghee from the translation department."
Perfect. Nailed it—even the R sound.
The guard checked his computer, then spoke. "Choi Kyunghee hasn't arrived yet. Anyone else from translation you need?"
Was my pronunciation off? Should I wait?
I slowly repeated the line I'd rehearsed dozens of times yesterday. "I'm Kim Taehoon from Korea, starting at the Dungeon Studies Research Institute today. Here's my access permit from the institute. I'd like to request Choi Kyunghee from the translation department."
No sooner had I finished than the guard replied slowly too. "So, Choi Kyunghee isn't here yet, so we'll call someone else. Know anyone else in translation?"
Problem with my accent? Why can't they understand? Just call Choi Kyunghee.
Resigned, I repeated again. "Starting today… request Choi Kyunghee from the translation department."
That's right—I couldn't communicate with them. I didn't understand them either.
We'd planned that I'd recite my prepared line, Choi Kyunghee would come fetch me, and we'd head down for registration and my researcher card. After that, no need to talk to these guys.
But why wouldn't they call her? Suspecting my R's, I rolled my tongue hard one last time.
"…Peter. Just get anyone from translation to escort him. Seriously, my ears are gonna blister."
To be continued in the next chapter... The Hunter Who Awakened as an NPC