A New Residence

On the television, a celebrity talk show was in full swing.

In this day and age, plenty of celebrities had awakened, moonlighting as active hunters on the side. Bringing a hunter onto a broadcast was always a surefire way to drum up ratings, as the general public was perpetually ravenous for insider gossip from the field.

After chatting about ordinary industry anecdotes, the host smoothly steered the topic.

"Speaking of which, the hunter community has been buzzing like crazy lately, hasn't it?"

At the host's prompting, a popular actress who doubled as an awakened hunter nodded in enthusiastic agreement.

"Yes, absolutely. A hunter named ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠Jeon Jaewoo has been conquering lethal ruins back-to-back, so everyone in the community is in complete shock."

"Virtually nothing has been revealed about this Hunter Jeon Jaewoo, which has the public dying of curiosity. Hayeon, have you ever crossed paths with him?"

The actress shook her head firmly.

"Not at all. I don't think any of the hunters in my circle know him either. I'm just as curious as everyone else..."

Sitting in the corner of his cramped room, Jeon Jaewoo grinned from ear to ear.

Holy crap. This is insane.

A bona fide top star was actually talking about him by name on a hit television program. Oddly enough, hearing his name dropped by a glamorous celebrity gave him an even bigger rush than seeing it splashed across the news for conquering an Ancient-grade ruin.

Of course, Jaewoo's true influence had long since eclipsed that of any celebrity hunter by an astronomical margin. Because he kept his identity shielded from the public eye, he couldn't feel it in his mundane daily life, but the signs of his staggering new stature were everywhere.

‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠

His name hadn't budged from the top of the real-time search rankings on every major portal site for days on end.

Whenever he flipped through the news channels, the broadcasts were filled wall-to-wall with discussions dissecting his dungeon raids.

Online community forums remained ablaze with endless debates and wild speculation about his identity. Meanwhile, money was accumulating at an alarming rate—so much that it made him question whether it was even reasonable for a single person to amass such vast wealth. Ever since brokering the elixir recovered from the Ancient-grade ruin, he hadn't bothered checking his bank balance. He had earned so much that verifying the exact figures felt entirely pointless.

However, continuing his life as a high-tier hunter brought about a glaring logistical dilemma.

This place is way too small.

Jaewoo was still living in the cramped studio apartment he had rented back when he was an unemployed job seeker. When it had been just him and Myeolgeop, it hadn't posed much of an issue. But now, the Elder Lich and Novum were squished into the exact same shoebox of a room.

To make matters worse, the Elder Lich had summoned a squad of skeletons to handle the domestic chores, leaving animated bones shuffling around washing dishes and sweeping the floor. A studio that had felt snug before was now practically suffocating.

I have to move.

There was no telling how many more times he would employ Heaven's Box, and the household headcount was only bound to grow from here.

"What do you all think about moving?" Jaewoo asked, looking around the crowded room.

"I believe relocating our base of operations to a more spacious residence would be optimal, Creator," Myeolgeop reported in his calm, mechanical cadence.

"I, too, would welcome a grander manor," the Elder Lich chimed in, jawbones clattering dryly. "It would be splendid if it included a quiet basin suitable for establishing proper research facilities..."

"I'm happy anywhere as long as I'm with you, Master!" Novum chirped sweetly, bouncing in place.

Aw, look at Novum. Always saying the sweetest things.

Selecting a residence as an awakened hunter, however, was notoriously tricky. High-ranking hunters wielded terrifying destructive potential, and because no one could predict when an accident or backlash might occur, municipal zoning and screening regulations were brutally strict. In fact, the government had built dedicated residential quarters exclusively for high-tier hunters, strongly urging them to live within those guarded borders.

As Jaewoo weighed his options, Commissioner Yoo Jeongtae crossed his mind.

'If you ever require assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me. I will do everything within my power to help.'

Still, was it appropriate to bother a vice-ministerial official over a mundane personal matter like house hunting? In truth, though Yoo Jeongtae’s official ranking was merely vice-ministerial, the head of the Hunter Administration held practical influence rivaling the President.

After brief consideration, Jaewoo dialed his number.

"Aiya, why didn't you mention this sooner? I'll dispatch my people to you right this instant!"

Rather than annoyed, Commissioner Yoo Jeongtae sounded ecstatic at the opportunity to lend a hand.

Yoo Jeongtae had meant every word. Within thirty minutes, Bureau officials in charge of high-ranking hunter housing arrived at Jaewoo's doorstep, loaded with portfolios and property listings.

"This is the Hunter Enclave, which is currently the most favored location among A-rank and higher hunters," the lead official explained, presenting a binder.

In modern society, a Hunter Enclave was practically synonymous with the most affluent neighborhoods in the country. Wherever powerful hunters resided, ultra-wealthy tycoons and influential politicians naturally gathered, seeking vicarious protection against monster stampedes or rogue terrorist threats.

Jaewoo carefully inspected the photographs, inquiring whenever an estate caught his eye.

"How much is this one?"

"Ah, you don't need to concern yourself with the price. The Commissioner explicitly instructed us to provide whichever residence you choose completely free of charge."

Taken aback, Jaewoo blinked. "Is ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠housing normally provided free to high-ranking hunters?"

"No, sir. However, the Commissioner stated that this is a special privilege reserved exclusively for you."

A special privilege? Jaewoo frowned inwardly. I'm not even affiliated with the Hunter Bureau, though.

"So what was the actual sale price for this place?"

"Its transaction price last month was seventy-two billion won."

Jaewoo nearly choked on his own breath, but quickly composed his expression.

Wait. Whether it's seventy billion or seven hundred billion, do I even need to flinch?

He had already amassed a fortune that put prominent conglomerates to shame. Spending seventy-two billion won at this stage was hardly a dent in his reserves.

Jaewoo tapped his finger against the photo of the sprawling property.

"I'll take this one. However, I will pay the full market price."

"Ah..."

The officials exchanged deeply troubled glances at his firm refusal.

Why on earth are you looking so stressed when I'm ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠offering to pay my own way?

"The Commissioner was very clear that we must gift it to you at no cost..."

"I told you, I'm paying. If I can't pay for it myself, I won't move."

"..."

The Hunter Bureau was desperate to get on Jaewoo's good side by any means necessary. In fact, had there been an existing resident living in that mansion, they looked ready to forcibly evict them on the spot if Jaewoo expressed the slightest interest.

Yet Jaewoo had zero intention of owing anything—no matter how trivial—to the Hunter Bureau or anyone else. Even without a formal contract, accepting favors invariably incurred an invisible debt that would have to be repaid eventually.

In any event, the move proceeded with breathtaking efficiency.

Bureau staff cleaned the vacant mansion from top to bottom and transported every piece of luggage. Jaewoo barely had to lift a finger, simply cradling Novum in his arms as he relocated.

"Whoa..."

Stepping onto the grounds on moving day, Jaewoo's jaw dropped at the sight of the colossal estate towering before him.

Seeing it in person, it's way more massive than in the photos.

Befitting an estate designed exclusively for hunters, the grounds came fully equipped with reinforced training grounds and specialized protective facilities. Living here alongside Myeolgeop, the Elder Lich, and Novum wouldn't feel even remotely crowded.

"Wow! The house is so big and nice!" Novum cheered, squishing happily against his chest.

"Haha, you think so? I'm glad you like it."

I should bring my parents here soon, too.

Even though Myeolgeop and the Elder Lich had set up robust wards and security measures around their home, keeping his parents close by was the surest way to guarantee their safety and his peace of mind.

I just hope they don't faint when they see my summons.

Just as the moving staff were wrapping up the final touches, a familiar voice called out across the lawn.

"Hunter Jeon Jaewoo!"

Jaewoo turned around, his expression turning to sheer bewilderment as he saw Yoo Jeongtae marching toward him.

"Commissioner? What brings you here?"

"Aiya, Hunter Jeon is moving into a new home! Of course I had to come see it in person."

Why on earth would the head of the Hunter Administration naturally show up just because an independent hunter moved?

Yoo Jeongtae put on a slightly hurt pout. "I truly wished to provide this residence to you free of charge, though."

"No. Accepting a mansion worth over seventy billion won for nothing wouldn't be right. Helping arrange the purchase was more than generous enough, Commissioner."

It wasn't as if Jaewoo was hurting for money anyway.

"At any rate, if you experience any inconvenience or require anything at all, please let me know immediately," Yoo Jeongtae said with eager warmth.

"Thank you for your consideration."

Just then, a clear, melodious voice drifted over from next door.

"Oh? Commissioner Yoo?"

Jaewoo turned his head and froze in surprise.

A famous hunter was strolling out from the adjacent estate, waving toward Yoo Jeongtae.

It was Kim Yumin, universally acknowledged as one of South Korea's premier flagship hunters. Whenever the topic of domestic hunters came up, her name was invariably the first to cross anyone's lips. While her fame owed much to her formidable S-rank combat abilities, her striking beauty played no small part in her stardom.

To Jaewoo, it felt like bumping into a major celebrity in real life.

Wait, why is she walking out from next door? Don't tell me she's my neighbor?

Kim Yumin walked over with an easy, graceful stride, greeting Yoo Jeongtae warmly.

"It really is you, Commissioner! What brings you all the way out here?"

"Ah, Yumin. An acquaintance of mine was moving in, so I dropped by."

Only then did Kim Yumin shift her gaze toward Jaewoo, offering a radiant, polite smile.

"Hello. I'm Kim Yumin."

"Ah... yes. Hello..."

Damn it. Was I too stiff?

Flustered by her sudden greeting, his reply had slipped out far too rigid.

Kim Yumin, on the other hand, studied Jaewoo with quiet intrigue.

An acquaintance of the Commissioner?

He appeared to be around her age, yet he was on close terms with the middle-aged head of the Hunter Administration. And to think a titan like Commissioner Yoo would personally visit someone just because they were moving into a new home!

Moreover, moving into one of the most exorbitantly priced mansions in the entire Hunter Enclave meant he had to be an exceptionally accomplished hunter. Yet despite having spent years in the high-ranking circuit, she had never seen his face before.

"It's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Jeon Jaewoo."

The instant the syllables left his mouth, Kim Yumin froze.

Jeon Jaewoo...? Wait. Could he possibly be *that* Jeon Jaewoo?!

As an active S-rank hunter, there was no way she could be ignorant of the name. In fact, by now, not even an unawakened civilian could have missed it.

Jeon Jaewoo was the phantom powerhouse who had recently exploded onto the scene, single-handedly conquering lethal ruins in rapid succession.

If his name is Jeon Jaewoo... is he really that same person?

The monstrous hunter who had conquered Legendary-grade and Ancient-grade ruins all by himself?

Unless he was someone of that terrifying stature, there would be no reason for Commissioner Yoo Jeongtae to attend to his move in person.

Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Yoo Jeongtae discreetly bringing an index finger to his lips, signaling her to keep quiet.

That subtle gesture erased every lingering doubt.

...It really is him.

Swallowing hard against a sudden surge of tension, Kim Yumin managed a courteous smile.

"I live right next door. Let's make sure to look out for one another as neighbors."

"Yes. I look forward to working with you."

Shortly thereafter, Kim Yumin was summoned aside by Yoo Jeongtae and left thoroughly stunned.

According to his explanation, he had intentionally steered Jeon Jaewoo toward the estate right beside hers.

"Are you telling me to spy on him?" Kim Yumin asked, staring at Yoo Jeongtae in utter disbelief.

"Tsk, what an awful way to put it! Not spy, just keep an eye on him. And step in to protect Hunter Jeon if anything ever happens, of course."

"..."

If he was going to make an excuse, he could have at least concocted a plausible one. How on earth was she supposed to protect a man who might very well be the strongest hunter on the planet? To someone of his caliber, an ordinary S-rank hunter was practically an afterthought.

Commissioner Yoo Jeongtae placed a solemn hand on Kim Yumin's shoulder.

"Your role is of paramount importance, Yumin. And if any foreign faction attempts to make contact with Hunter Jeon, you must inform me immediately."

That was Yoo Jeongtae's true objective: preempting a catastrophic brain drain.

While their current rapport wasn't hostile, Jeon Jaewoo remained completely unaffiliated. Now that his name reverberated across the globe, there was no telling which international power might try to woo him to their side. For the Hunter Bureau, allowing Jaewoo to align with any foreign nation was an existential disaster they could never permit.

And Yoo Jeongtae's paranoia was far from unfounded.

Across the Pacific, the United States was already finalizing elaborate plans to recruit Jeon Jaewoo, preparing to set their machinations into motion.