Chapter 167
Chapter 167
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 167
Chapter Title: Hunters of Reality, Warriors of the Martial World
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Hunters of reality are warriors of the martial world.
Hunters fight for humanity as superhumans, while warriors battle for their martial arts and personal gain, so they aren't exactly the same. But if you had to compare them, that's how it stacks up.
Still, the biggest difference lay in how ordinary people—those who were neither hunters nor warriors—perceived them.
In the martial world, civilians feared warriors. In reality, they adored hunters.
Just like the frenzy kids felt for celebrities in those childhood memories.
Throngs of people cheered and rooted for Yong-un.
But Yong-un had no idea.
Even when he returned after clearing the San Marino Demonus Gate, the massive crowds gathered there—he chalked it up purely to the accomplishments of himself and the Korean national team.
If he hadn't followed Sena onto that program called Nerquiz, he might have lived his whole life none the wiser.
That said, it didn't make him uncomfortable or sour his mood.
No, quite the opposite—he was glad.
In this silent war, he'd come to realize just how crucial public popularity and influence could be.
For Yong-un, who had built up his faction and power to protect his family and himself, this popularity was an unexpected weapon he hadn't known he possessed.
In a war of words and schemes—rather than clashing swords and shields—it was the ultimate armament.
And that weapon now extended not just to Yong-un, but to the Ghost Soul Exterminators as well.
"Why do you all look so exhausted?"
The Ghost Soul Exterminators had just returned from clearing gates as part of their afternoon schedule.
Their faces were paler than usual.
At Yong-un's question, Myung-su—the First Ghost Soul—approached, bowed his head, and replied.
"Every gate on today's roster was swarming with reporters."
The word "reporters" naturally drew eyes toward the Poison Witch and the Dancer.
The two hung their heads, looking apologetic.
"It's all part of the plan anyway."
The Poison Witch and the Dancer snapped their heads up to stare at Yong-un.
His response had caught them off guard.
But Yong-un truly believed it.
"The only surprise is that it took this long."
Word about the Ghost Soul Exterminators and the Dragon Corps had already spread far and wide across the world.
Especially after the San Marino Demonus clear—tales of their prowess had circulated among the powerhouses that had joined them.
So when those high-rank hunters returned to their home countries, would they have stayed silent about it?
Of course not.
Other nations were rival factions.
If a new powerhouse emerged in a rival faction and they did nothing to counter it, they'd have to forfeit their title as superpowers.
"You already saw this coming?"
Myung-su gazed at Yong-un with wonder.
That look is familiar.
Pure reverence, as if beholding a god.
"Don't overhype it. Everything you've done so far has earned you this treatment. The difference is, the Shadow Assassins operate publicly under a guild banner, while the Ghost Soul Exterminators and Dragon Corps are covert strike teams."
"Ah..."
Myung-su nodded in understanding.
"It's not exactly how I envisioned it spreading, but it's a start. As your achievements bubble to the surface, expect even more headaches than this."
Just like when Yong-un himself became a Demon Commander of the Heavenly Demon Cult.
People envy and resent those superior to them.
Some just badmouth behind backs, but others take action.
"I'll keep that in mind."
Myung-su bowed, grasping what Yong-un meant.
"You know it best yourself."
Myung-su nodded.
Before becoming a Ghost Soul Exterminator, Myung-su had been a special inspector.
He'd seen more than anyone the meteoric rises—and the fallout—that came with sudden fame and rank jumps.
So he knew better than most what trials awaited them.
"I'll manage the Ghost Souls well."
"I trust you will. Go rest."
"Yes, Supreme One."
Myung-su and the Ghost Souls all bowed deeply.
And as they filed into the Ghost Soul Exterminators' house...
"First Ghost Soul, come up here. Let's talk."
At Yong-un's call, Myung-su halted mid-stride, leaped up, and landed beside him. ◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ "You called for me?"
"Sit."
"Yes."
Growing more at ease now, Myung-su took a seat beside Yong-un as ordered.
As always, Yong-un gazed up at the clear blue sky.
Myung-su followed suit, eyes lifting to the same heavens.
"GHO and the God of War won't stay still much longer."
Myung-su's eyes widened.
"The God of War... and GHO?"
"They have a deep disgust for hunters contracted with demons."
"I see..."
Myung-su bowed his head.
"So I told them. That I'm a hunter contracted with demons."
"...?!"
His earlier wide-eyed shock looked comical now.
Eyes bulging as if they might pop out, Myung-su was speechless.
"I told you earlier. What you're dealing with now was inevitable sooner or later."
"Yes. You're right."
"Clashing with the God of War and GHO is inevitable too. As long as we have Cheon-il and Barum..."
His eyes had returned to normal, but Myung-su still couldn't continue.
It weighed on him like guilt.
Compared to GHO, factions like the Night Slaughter Society or Death God Guild—which he'd once treated as enemies—seemed laughable.
It'd be easier to declare war on Korea's Hunter Management Agency.
That's what GHO was.
The Global Hunter Organization.
Even America, the so-called superpower, yielded a step to GHO.
GHO held the world's strongest power right now.
"Worried?"
"I'm sorry."
He couldn't help it.
Seeing Myung-su's anxiety stirred old memories.
The Sword Demon, vowing to make the entire Heavenly Demon Cult his enemy for revenge.
No—Yong-un's own image flickered in his mind.
"We'll do it anyway. It's your order, Supreme One, and for protecting the Ghost Souls. Leave it to me."
If Yong-un moved for his slum family, Myung-su would act for his Supreme One, Yong-un's commands, and the Ghost Souls.
His resolute vow sharpened Myung-su's gaze.
This wasn't half-hearted procrastination until the time came.
A faint killing intent glinted in his earnest eyes.
"Not yet. It'll come eventually. When the time arises."
The God of War's retreating figure faded into view, shoulders slumped as he bided his time to grow stronger.
'No telling if it's near or far. But he's coming.'
As if echoing Yong-un's thoughts, clouds began gathering in the once cloudless blue sky. ◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ As evening fell, the blue sky darkened.
The Ghost Soul Exterminators and Dragon Corps had all left for their new hobby activities.
Yong-un descended from the roof, sensing the one presence that hadn't budged.
He entered the Ghost Soul Exterminators' house.
"Sixth Ghost Soul."
Ding-a-ling.
The incessant bell chimes cut off at Yong-un's voice.
Creeeak.
The Sixth Ghost Soul's door opened, and Sung-min emerged with a smile.
"You called?"
He looked content—expression relaxed, satisfied with his current life.
Yong-un smiled back and asked.
"Mind if I come in?"
"My room's a bit different from the others. It's humble... but are you sure?"
Yong-un nodded.
The door swung wide, and Sung-min guided him inside.
'Full...'
The first thing that caught the eye upon entering was a sheet of rice paper inscribed with the unfamiliar hanja character for "Man."
And the bizarre objects scattered around it.
"Isn't it uncomfortable living here?"
One couldn't ignore how much more gaunt and eccentric Sung-min had become since first sight.
But Sung-min truly seemed joyful in this life, bowing deeply.
"Not at all. I used to think receiving the divine ruined my life, but now it feels like a blessing."
Sung-min glanced around the room.
Something caught his eye—he beamed, pausing mid-turn to stare intently at spots.
And without fail, an indescribable spiritual energy thickly stimulated Yong-un's senses from those directions.
"I once knew someone like you."
"Like me...?"
"He saw ghosts too. And he knew how to command them."
At "ghosts," Sung-min's face lit with interest.
"What happened to him?"
"He became the best in that field. Used ghosts to accomplish things hunters couldn't dream of."
"Impressive. I haven't reached that level yet..."
Words that would chill others left Sung-min unfazed.
Yong-un couldn't help smiling at his bashful fidgeting.
Suddenly recalling something, Sung-min whipped his head up to face Yong-un.
"Right! Since you're here, I have a message to pass on."
Yong-un tilted his head.
Sung-min quickly pulled a sheet of paper from a drawer and handed it over.
"What's this?"
"It's from the deity I serve. He said it'd help you."
Delivered by Man himself.
Man's extraordinary power piqued Yong-un's curiosity.
Shhk.
He unfolded it immediately.
And Yong-un was stunned.
'Central Plains script...'
Not modern hanja from this world.
A language no one here should know—from the martial world.
Central Plains hanja flowed naturally across the paper.
"It looks like hanja but not quite, so I couldn't relay it verbally. That's why I gave it directly."
"It's Central Plains script. Good work."
Sung-min would never know what Central Plains script was.
But to Yong-un, it was more familiar than Korean—evoking nostalgia as he read each character.
The text wasn't long.
[Soon, a man will come to you. He will sow confusion. But fear not. In exchange for the turmoil, that man will be your benefactor, unraveling all the tangled threads.]
Yong-un folded the paper.
"More cryptic nonsense."
"What does it say? Is it something I shouldn't know?"
Sung-min peered curiously.
But Yong-un eyed him with wonder instead.
"Didn't you write this?"
"I did... but it wasn't me."
"Man?"
"Yes... When he possesses me, I'm not myself. Sorry, but I can't access his memories or thoughts. I just lend my body..."
Did gods truly exist?
Once more, he felt entangled in something profoundly troublesome and thought-provoking.
"Says someone's coming to see me. A benefactor, apparently."
"Ah! That's great! A benefactor means good fortune for sure!"
Sung-min rejoiced as if it were his own news.
Yong-un chuckled lightly, then summoned demonic energy with the paper in hand.
Flames erupted, reducing it to ash in an instant.
"Wha—? The divine message..."
"Something to cherish?"
"No. Anyone else would've faced wrath, but the deity said you're no one to be harmed by this. More than that—you're someone he'll meet in person..."
Yong-un's eyebrow twitched.
"Ah! He's calling for me now! Sorry, but he wants you to leave..."
At Sung-min's abrupt eviction, Yong-un had no choice but to stand and step out.
The door closed, and the bell chimes resumed incessantly.
Standing before the shut door, Yong-un glanced at it and murmured softly.
"To meet Man... actually encounter Man, huh..."
The words stirred more thoughts, furrowing his brow.
He shrugged it off with a shake of his hand.
"No point pondering now. Tsk, why can't they just speak plainly? Always so damn cryptic."
Step, step. He exited the Ghost Soul Exterminators' house.
Moments before kicking off toward home...
Yong-un smirked and whispered.
"A benefactor."
Hope he sorts out the God of War mess.
Bam.
Yong-un kicked the ground, vanishing from the spot.