#283. You Know a 2-on-1 Is Too Much, Right?
Whether it was thanks to Hamilton's deal or because they decided not to export the unique item, he couldn't say for sure. But either way, Joo Se-ah's exit permit came through in just one day. And with it, Kang Moo-hyuk and his group were finally free to leave the United States.
"This is all thanks to Director Hamilton putting his position on the line to pressure the president."
"It feels embarrassing to make a fuss over something this minor when you're the heroes who saved the city and its people. Besides, it was a position I was going to lose anyway. I have no regrets about it, so please head home with peace of mind."
"Even so, standing up to a former boss isn't an easy call—especially when that boss is the president of the United States and your career could go anywhere. And getting caught between the governor and the president must have been a real headache."
In truth, it was Kang Moo-hyuk who had maneuvered Hamilton into that spot.
Hamilton knew it too, but the final decision had been his own. He was content knowing the city had been saved at the cost of his own troubles.
Fearing another invoice if he kept letting Kang Moo-hyuk butter him up, Hamilton quickly changed the subject.
"More than that, it helped that you didn't pack the unique material item in your cargo. So where did you divert it? The White House is dying to know. Even the chief of staff, who acted like he'd never see me again, reached out."
"Guess the travel ban doesn't let them conduct searches."
"If a U.S. guild had acquired it, that wouldn't even be grounds for a ban. They stretched the law as far as it could go. Even with the revised wartime materials act covering items, it can't infringe on the rights of raid participants."
What Hamilton meant was that as long as the unique item stayed in the U.S., they couldn't block the owner's exit.
Nor could they seize a hunter's legitimate spoils by force.
It was a loophole born from laws hastily patched together during the Great War and the smaller conflicts that followed.
"Whatever the case, the unique item left by the queen is officially still in the United States."
"If Guild Master Joo Se-ah uses it later, they could make trouble then."
"Without evidence, it'll be tough."
"Evidence or not, strong-arming is the current U.S. policy toward top hunters. They're lenient with their own, of course."
Hamilton wasn't nitpicking—he was genuinely concerned, pointing out real risks. Knowing his sincerity, Kang Moo-hyuk reined in his usual snarky tone.
"How much time does this administration have left? A year? Year and a half? Think they'll get reelected?"
"I don't know politics, but I know people. Voters' minds change faster than the weather. No one can predict an election. Betting on it seems too reckless."
"Unique item crafting doesn't wrap up overnight anyway. Let's see who's in the White House when our guild master gets her hands on it. We'll deal with the rest then. Director, find a new job soon, don't get killed by monsters, and stay healthy."
As Kang Moo-hyuk bid farewell, Hamilton fell silent.
"I pray fortune follows you and Guild Master Joo Se-ah."
Flight operations resumed quickly. They couldn't keep the skies over a massive city like LA closed forever.
Hunter Crime Unit agents tailed Kang Moo-hyuk's group to their departure gate. Less a send-off, more surveillance.
"Sorry. Treating the heroes who saved the city like this."
"You're just doing your job. Can't argue with orders from the top. Get to it. We don't mind."
At Kang Moo-hyuk's urging, the agents sprang into action. They didn't just check the group's luggage—they scoured the plane's cargo hold too.
But they found no signs of the unique item being smuggled out, as feared.
It was while the Iron Will members were clearing customs and waiting for their flight.
With time to kill before departure, a few wandered the duty-free shops in the terminal.
Go Eul-ji, her friend Kim Nari, No Song-rin, and Johanna were among them.
Go Eul-ji especially was fired up, determined to squeeze in some shopping to make up for the ruined sightseeing.
Unfortunately, her hopes were dashed. With only a few passenger flights scheduled and most routes still grounded, nearly all the duty-free shops were shuttered.
"I'm a hunter. I make bank. Come on, let me spend some money. Going home like this is too unfair."
Go Eul-ji tore at her hair in frustration. And beside her was someone frustrated for entirely different reasons.
"Why do I have to go to Korea?"
Johanna stared blankly at the boarding pass in her hand, letting Go Eul-ji drag her around. She was too out of it to resist.
For her, heading to Korea had been inevitable.
The U.S. government had demanded testimony from the Italian hunter formerly of Gloria Guild about the carnivorous wasp incident. Officially raid-related, but clearly a ploy to dig into Iron Will.
Sticking around meant endless harassment from the Hunter Crime Unit, so she'd jumped at Kang Moo-hyuk's timely offer of a Korea trip.
Of course, his "trip" was really a recruitment pitch, but at least it wasn't coercive like the government's. That had sealed her decision.
"Aw, lighten up, Johanna. Korea's better than you think. Monsters pop up just the right amount, not too many villains. And best of all, it's got BTA."
"Since when is 'monsters in moderation' a tourism draw? And what's BTA?"
"No way! Someone who doesn't know BTA? Are you even from Earth?"
Go Eul-ji's genuine shock made Johanna ponder seriously.
What is BTA? Some anti-monster superweapon? Go Eul-ji's young but a strong hunter—no one in Europe's rising stars matches her. If she emphasizes it this much, it must be huge. Am I that out of touch? Not knowing would make me seem ignorant...
Prideful as ever, the Italian hunter couldn't bear looking clueless. She bluffed.
"Oh, yeah. BTA. I know it."
"Right? Of course you do. I thought you were joking. BTA's huge for everyone. It's world heritage we have to protect."
Strategic weapon after all.
"Totally. Gotta guard it strategically. Super lethal."
"Exactly. Lethal. It shone in this raid too—Gunpowder Guild said it gave people hope."
"Gunpowder too...? Must be impressive. Italy needs it ASAP."
"It's been in Europe forever, but not widespread. Guess being Korean-origin makes it hard for closed-off Europe."
"Nah, Europe's changing."
No Song-rin trailed behind, watching with an unreadable expression—amused or pained, hard to tell. Go Eul-ji snapped.
"What? Why keep staring like that?"
"Just... weird seeing you two actually communicate."
"??"
"??"
The pair tilted their heads, clueless.
No Song-rin waved it off—too lazy to explain—and addressed Johanna.
"Like the kid said, Korea's got plenty to see. Great food variety. Monster and villain response is top-tier among gate-security nations. Treat it like a short vacay and relax."
Johanna couldn't deny it when No Song-rin again touted monster safety as a perk. That was half her reason for touring U.S. cities too—fed up with monsters.
In this era, tourism thrived in scenic spots or advanced gate-security nations. Common sense.
At this point, Johanna resigned herself.
Gauging her mood, No Song-rin added cautiously.
"Looks like our leader's pretty keen on you. Thinking of switching to Iron Will? Thomas whatever-his-name joined too. Not guild bias—it's legit good."
Johanna shot him a glare.
"Suit yourself. No need to glare."
No Song-rin shrugged. Go Eul-ji, seeing him as a nuisance, asked.
"Why're you stuck to us anyway, No? Super annoying."
"Babysitting you."
"Out of boredom?"
"Who else watches the kid who causes chaos the second I look away?"
"Obviously the gui..."
Go Eul-ji clamped her mouth shut before saying "guild master." Being watched by Joo Se-ah was nightmare fuel. Jang Deok-gu wasn't much better.
Kang Moo-hyuk? Worst of all in some ways.
Newbie Thomas? Outsider Johanna? Friend Kim Nari was fine, but that left No Song-rin.
"...No one."
"I don't wanna either, so drop the sour face. If not for the guild master's request, I'd let you rot in jail for all I care."
"Ex-con loving prison? Always bringing it up. Want me to get you back in?"
"Pissing me off. Let's fight."
"Uncle, you sure about me? I won't stop you if you get beat and quit in shame."
"I suck at monsters but aces at hunters. Especially same rank."
"Don't think I'm just cute. I'm tough."
"Let's fight! Draw! All you do is lie. Look at your face."
"Lie? My face? Fine. Fight me!"
They butted foreheads, snarling like they'd unleash mana any second.
Johanna had no intention of intervening. Kim Nari hovered awkwardly.
Then Joo Se-ah approached.
"Both of you, quiet."
"Yesss..."
"."
Expecting a lecture, they were stunned when Joo Se-ah just walked past, ignoring them.
They turned to follow her gaze. She stared at the massive screen overhead.
A news broadcast played.
"Playing dirty, just like Leader Kang said?"
Air this right before they headed home? Clear intent to stir trouble.
Whatever Joo Se-ah thought, Korea was probably in an uproar by now.
"Politicians and their tired scripts. Recycling the same crap they pulled on me."
A man with light brown hair approached and sat beside Joo Se-ah on the bench.
He stared at the screen with her.
"Not even startled that I'm here."
"Why? 'Cause you're S-rank?"
"Not all S-ranks are equal. I'm Bertrand Lefebvre. You know I'm not just hype. And I'm showing my power."
As confident as Bertrand was, an inexplicable pressure filled the airport.
Iron Will members behind them were already on their knees, gasping.
Lucky the airport wasn't busy—his aura alone could have caused mass heart attacks.
Joo Se-ah shifted half a step aside. The pressure eased, lightening the strain on the group.
"Show off in the gate."
"Don't touch my people."
"What if I do?"
"How many got wrecked talking big? Wanna end up like Sim Wol?"
"You didn't kill her."
"I'll kill you."
"Oh? Been wanting to ask. Fought the Tyrant and Byeon Jun? Let's see how strong..."
Bertrand trailed off. Power surged from behind.
He wanted to turn, identify it—but with Joo Se-ah in front, he couldn't risk it.
Another S-rank?
It felt exactly like his own rank's presence.
"Even the great Bertrand knows 2-on-1 is too much, right?"
A mocking voice came from behind.
Bertrand had to check, even if it meant vulnerability to Joo Se-ah.
Who the hell?
Two Eastern men stood there.