Chapter 72
Chapter 72
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 72
Chapter Title: Fame and Memorial
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In South Korea, Yubyeol-ha's fame was immense.
On the way to the hotel, lugging our bags, I overheard whispers from passersby.
"Is that Yubyeol-ha?"
"Why's Yubyeol-ha here? Isn't she in Academy City?"
"I heard there was a huge uproar in Academy City recently. Could it be related to that?"
Even with sunglasses and a hat pulled low, people spotted her. Her recognition was on another level.
I'd once seen a post on a popular community site where users debated her in the comments.
📰 Hot Topic Post Anonymous432: Can Yubyeol-ha really surpass Lee Gyeo-ul? [5840] 💬 Comments — Anonymous432 Isn't Yubyeol-ha the only one in the world who can withstand 100% Erosion Rate? My acquaintance is a hunter, and even that Lee Gyeo-ul can't endure over 80%. — Anonymous432 Unlike other hunters, Yubyeol-ha can spam her powers without turning into a Dimensional Beast. Like infinite MP in a game? — Anonymous432 Her light manipulation ability is super versatile too. Checked the recent Arcana YouTube vid—insane ㅇㅇ ⭐ Top Comment — Anonymous432 Honestly, her current specs crush active hunters already... Give her 3 years of experience, she'll surpass Lee Gyeo-ul. No arguments. — Anonymous Does Lee Gyeo-ul look like a joke to you? The hero who held Seoul alone—quit hyping an unproven rookie. — Anonymous I'm a Psyker—no one in human history has tanked 100% Erosion Rate. Don't underrate her. — Anonymous Armchair scouts got wrecked lol. This was one of Korea's top community sites, boasting around 10 million members.
Even non-hunter fans used it to chat about all sorts of topics, yet this post exploded into a heated debate.
Staring at those comments, I couldn't help but think of sports stars like Son Heung-min or Kim Min-jae. Yubyeol-ha was right there with them—GOAT or world-class material.
Koreans were obsessed. They'd always idolized and cheered for homegrown geniuses with extraordinary talent.
And hunters? Unlike other jobs, they safeguarded the world from Dimensional Beasts—an honorable calling. The spotlight on them burned even brighter.
Hunters were real-life superheroes to everyone.
"You could probably make bank on YouTube later."
"This is exactly why I hate coming to Korea."
Yubyeol-ha yanked her hat down lower.
The attention clearly weighed on her.
We picked up the pace. More people were crowding around, so we hustled.
"Next time, we take a car."
"Already planning on it."
I felt drained too, swept up in the vibe.
Shoving through the throng, we finally reached the hotel. At the desk, a concierge greeted us.
He looked like a high-ranking middle-aged exec, treating us like royalty.
First time getting VIP treatment—felt great, but awkward too. I hid behind Yubyeol-ha like a lost kid.
She took it in stride, no change in expression as she followed the guide. We unpacked in our reserved rooms.
I got 302, her 301.
Gawking at the luxe interior, I let out a low whistle. Single room, but the bed was massive—could fit four burly guys side by side.
Marble-floor bathroom kicked it off, plus an outdoor pool and tons of amenities.
Could've stayed for a hotel vacation, but we had places to be. I changed into my usual white dress shirt and black tie.
Stepping out, Yubyeol-ha emerged in her neat school uniform.
"Phew. Transport?"
"They're sending something. They said they'd call, so chill in your room till then."
"Got it."
She ducked into her room. I started to follow.
"Huh?"
"What?"
She gave me a puzzled look. I tilted my head.
"You have your own room."
"Nothing to do in there. Bored."
"...Just wait a sec."
She slammed the door. Rustling sounds of tidying up from inside. About a minute later, she peeked out.
"Come in..."
Doesn't usually clean up, huh? I'd accidentally glimpsed her room at Lee Gyeo-ul's mansion once...
White bra and panties tossed on the bed. Plenty more shocking stuff, but that's her privacy—I'll stop there.
She plopped on the bed. I took the chair. At the vanity, I ran a hand through my hair.
"Why'd your hair suddenly grow out overnight? Evolving from parasitic brother to full parasite?"
"No clue, don't ask. Won't even cut, and it's bugging me too."
"Hm... Some vampire racial trait?"
"Could be."
I shifted my gaze from the mirror to her.
One important thing I hadn't asked.
"So, why'd you suddenly wanna come to Korea? Your reaction earlier didn't seem thrilled."
I had business at the Hunter Association, so borrowing her name got us VIP access—fine by me. But she wasn't calling for tourism.
Our next stop: the Hunter Association.
Her name was straight-up VIP there. Top prospect ever.
No exaggeration—a national treasure. Other countries could throw insane salaries to poach her, no surprise.
They greenlit even "'I want to meet the chairman'" on the spot. Her status was crystal clear.
"Memorial..."
"Huh?"
"This Friday's the anniversary of my mom and dad's death..."
I blinked, falling silent at the heavy topic.
No expression gave it away, but I was thrown. Never expected "memorial" from her mouth.
She continued matter-of-factly.
"Every year, I go to their grave and pay respects. That's why I brought you."
Surprise faded into questions.
She had her bestie Haena. Her idol and role model, Lee Gyeo-ul.
For grave visits, better company than me existed.
Why drag me to her parents' memorial...?
Then the reason slipped out.
"That fight was symbolic for me. Honestly, after our first battle, I was a total mess."
"I'd sworn revenge like you said, but facing my trauma? I just trembled and froze. Hated myself for it—loathed the weakness."
"Slump, I guess. Training room? Couldn't focus. Even if I got stronger, without beating the trauma, I'd freeze before my enemy. What's the point of training?"
"Turned out it wasn't just imagination—it was reality. Faced the enemy, and bam, powerless like a kid again. Absolute worst."
"Then you showed up and cheered me on."
I scratched my head, sheepish.
Forcing trauma exposure to overcome it.
Brutal method, in hindsight. Like a lion tossing its cub off a cliff to toughen it up.
"What a shitty pep talk."
"Haha... Sorry."
"Thanks."
A smile crept across her lips.
Her thanks sliced through my apology—refreshing somehow.
"Without you, I'd still be that helpless kid cowering in the closet."
"..."
"Thanks, Baek Do-hyun. For real. Thanks for sticking with me through that hell."
Her gratitude caught me off guard.
Our usual dynamic? Bickering, insults—nothing sappy like this.
Awkward stares all around.
"A-anyway! For that reason, I'm granting you the honor of greeting my parents! Feel privileged!"
Her face flushed beet red as she shot to her feet.
"Sh-should be here soon. Heading down first."
"Sure."
I watched her bolt from the room, a soft smile tugging at my lips.