11
11 - Outside the City
The forms of Erosion cores are infinite.
Sometimes they take the form of common rocks or gemstones, sometimes plants like grass or trees, and sometimes the form of beasts.
There have even been cases where an entire river was the core, requiring a massive deployment of flame mages and spirit summoners to evaporate the entire river.
And naturally, sometimes they're monsters.
Kwaduek!
Jin-woo twisted his sword to crush the bone joints and tear through the heart. He was certain it was dead. When he made that judgment, he pulled out his sword.
The black flames that had been burning inside the hidden lizard-human's body flowed into Jin-woo through the sword.
[ A fragment of a past life surfaces. That sword shall hide in shadows, unseen. ]
'Huh?'
Then a message appeared for ability awakening. Jin-woo, who hadn't thought this far, blinked in surprise.
Did I awaken another sword ability?
Even awakening the same category of ability twice is rare. But three times?
For example, in terms of a mage, it would be like awakening flame-type magic abilities, then awakening flame-related magic again, then awakening slightly different flame magic once more.
Just hearing about it, you can tell it's no ordinary occurrence.
The newly acquired ability was to imbue the sword with shadow attributes. In other words, the ability to hide the sword's presence.
'So absorbing black flames gives me abilities.'
Immediately after, he felt the breathing air around him change dramatically. Though he couldn't see the sky clearing in the dark theater, he felt it through his skin.
The Erosion was over. The black flames had indeed been the Erosion's core.
'It was said that dealing with the core gives you abilities.'
Looking at how he caught Shadow and the sword gained Shadow attributes, it's probably related to the nature of the core.
But then what happens if common rocks or trees are the core? Do I become hard like a rock?
'I'll find out by trying.'
He felt good that he had found a way to gain abilities without entering gates.
Jin-woo carefully collected Shadow's corpse and the two fang daggers it had been carrying, then left the theater.
***
To find the core, Shartia was combing through the entire Erosion zone with a fine-tooth comb.
Even without moving her feet directly, the exploration wasn't difficult since she had plenty of plants that served as her eyes and ears.
She also protected people who hadn't evacuated yet and joined with Hunters who came from outside to protect citizens.
According to what she heard, Mayor Ma Du-sik was personally commanding from the front lines.
'He's a mayor with a sense of responsibility.'
You could say this was natural and common-sense behavior for a city's leader.
That's true, but she knew how many things in the world weren't common sense.
Even when Erosion occurs in a city, there are many high-ranking officials who dump it on their subordinates and just drink, or those who flee early to bunkers alone.
That's the kind of world it is. The kind of world where doing what's natural naturally deserves praise.
'Where is Jin-woo going?'
Meanwhile, Shartia was sharing Jin-woo's vision through the flower he carried. To be precise, it was the view from around his chest, so it was a bit low.
His movements were careful and cautious. His steps showed an intention to avoid disturbing monsters as much as possible.
Yet there was no hesitation at all, indicating he had a definite destination.
'A movie theater?'
The place he arrived at was a movie theater building.
Here, too, Jin-woo entered without hesitation and walked up the stopped escalator.
'What did he come looking for?'
This was a building she had already completed searching - a place where nothing existed.
She had safely evacuated the people who were originally there and killed all the monsters. In other words, it was an empty building.
Jin-woo arrived at the 6th floor of that empty building and opened one of the theaters.
And when he turned on his lantern.
Kreung!?
A monster that hadn't been visible in the darkness began to appear.
'What the...!'
Shartia was shocked. When she had searched, nothing had been detected.
Yet Jin-woo had found it in one go. As if he had known where it was from the beginning.
'It's a Shadow, isn't it?'
The monster was a Shadow. A lower-tier dragon-type monster skilled at hiding in shadows.
A monster that frequently appeared in specific areas of the 3rd layer, the areas where they settled were also called Hunters' graveyards.
Their combat power in direct confrontation was weak even within the 3rd layer, but the death rate in those 'graveyards' was undoubtedly the highest in the 3rd layer.
Especially B-rank Hunters who had just entered the 3rd layer often became their prey.
Although this wasn't the 3rd layer and the location was a movie theater, Shadow's stealth ability remained intact. Even she, an S-rank, couldn't find it, so how much more so.
Keu, keureureureu......
Jin-woo found it and pierced through it.
He penetrated the heart in one strike - the weakness of most creatures and an especially fatal weakness for dragon-types.
The sword that pierced through its hard scales, tearing through flesh and bone to reach the heart.
She couldn't take her eyes off that sword.
It was the first time. The first time she felt so captivated by watching a sword.
Even when she saw the swords of those called S-rank Hunters, she only thought they were impressive, but wasn't captivated. For her, being a Druid, magic and spirit arts were much more attractive.
But Jin-woo's sword was different. That sword was definitely drawing her gaze.
Come to think of it, the sword was also unique. There was a white gem embedded at the end of the handle, and from that gem, she felt an inexplicable familiarity.
'This feeling......'
Shartia wasn't a fool either.
The inexplicable, strange feeling she was experiencing. And the fact that Jin-woo's abilities seemed quite powerful.
These two things created one possibility.
'Could he also be the reincarnation of an Elf like me?'
If that were the case, everything would make sense.
The reason she was captivated by Jin-woo's sword was because that the swordsmanship was Elven. That's why she might be feeling nostalgia at the soul level.
'I have to protect him.'
If that were the case, she had to protect his secret.
Seoul seemed more tolerant of Elves than New York, but it was still pretty much the same.
There would be many colleagues and families of Hunters killed by Elves in Seoul, too. If it were discovered that his past life was an Elf, he might experience the same thing she did.
She had to protect him from that happening.
The ugly duckling realizes it's a swan and lives as a swan, but they couldn't do that.
They were only elves in past lives; now they were human, so living as Elves wasn't something they could choose or even wanted.
They lived in the human world through and through. That's why they couldn't survive if rejected by humans.
'Jin-woo.'
She felt a strong sense of kinship and attraction to this comrade of the same circumstances she had met for the first time.
***
When he came out of the movie theater, the sky had already cleared.
The Erosion's energy had disappeared as if washed away, and the original blue sky was spread out.
The surroundings were still quiet because the military had set up barricades at the Erosion's boundary and was controlling people.
When he returned to the library, the library building was intact as before.
Shartia's forest that had swallowed the library inside the Erosion wasn't there.
Since Erosion was a different world from reality, no matter how much that world was destroyed, it had no effect on reality.
At the library, surviving citizens were hugging each other and rejoicing, and on one side, Shartia was surrounded by people in suits.
"Shartia! You protected the citizens of Seoul!"
A person who looked impressive, accompanied by a full entourage of military, police, and advisors, was talking with her.
He was a giant who looked 1.5 times larger than ordinary people, and with that huge frame, his teary eyes showed he was quite moved.
'Isn't that the mayor?'
Jin-woo was quite surprised by the face he had seen several times on TV. Still, it wasn't incomprehensible.
With Erosion of this scale unfolding in the city center, it was indeed a matter that would make the mayor come running barefoot.
'Should I quietly go back?'
The mayor, who could be called the city's leader, and elite advisors. Beside them was a military officer with four stars and a police executive with a chest full of insignia.
For Jin-woo, who had lived his whole life as an ordinary citizen, the thought of joining that impressive group never occurred to him.
Then Shartia, who had been half-listening to Ma Du-sik's words, spotted Jin-woo and her eyes sparkled.
"Jin-woo! Over here! Come over here!"
When Shartia jumped and waved her hand, they all turned their heads in unison to look at Jin-woo.
In the wave of pouring gazes, Jin-woo pondered. He thought about pretending not to hear and leaving, but when she was jumping around and calling like that, he couldn't just go.
"Hello. I'm Ma Du-sik, though lacking, I'm serving as mayor."
"Ah, yes. I'm Kang Jin-woo."
Jin-woo grasped the hand Ma Du-sik extended.
This bear-like man's palm was also huge, like a pot lid, large enough to almost completely wrap around Jin-woo's hand.
If he applied even a little force, it seemed like he could easily crush such a hand.
'Come to think of it, I heard Mayor Ma Du-sik was also a former S-rank Hunter......'
With fists like these, he could probably dismantle something like the Shadow from earlier with his bare hands.
"Hunter Kang Jin-woo, I see. I've heard a lot about you. You've accomplished great things from your very first gate."
"Huh? You've heard my name?"
"Of course. The director of the Hunter Management Bureau reported through the hotline."
"???"
The management bureau director reported directly to the mayor? About the bear incident?
Certainly, he had obtained a D-rank magic stone and sold the corpse for an incredible price, so it was an amazing monster......
Whether it was because of that incident or this one, Ma Du-sik wasn't treating Jin-woo as a beginner Hunter.
What beginner in the world could cut down a boss-level monster of the Primeval Forest in one stroke and find an Erosion core that even Shartia couldn't find?
Ma Du-sik's eyes, looking at Jin-woo, were filled with strong desire.
'He absolutely must not be taken by foreign countries.'
Just as he had proposed naturalization to Shartia, foreign countries were also putting their heart and soul into recruiting Hunters.
If Jin-woo's information leaked out in such circumstances, they would naturally dispatch agents.
Until the day he received the report from the Management Bureau, he was still just a person of interest, but with today's discovery of the Erosion core, it was now confirmed.
"I heard from Shartia. You cut down the Erosion core."
"Yes."
Jin-woo nodded.
"The library and movie theater aren't exactly close. Did you awaken exploration-type abilities?"
"Something like that."
Actually, it was the ability to cut the flames of life, but since he also had the ability to detect those flames, it wasn't wrong.
"An explorer. With less than a month of experience, to be able to detect Shadows means you have the talent of an S-rank explorer."
"Ah, that's not really...... By the way, what level is an S-rank explorer?"
"In terms of price, you can name your price. Detection and reconnaissance are the most dangerous things in Gates, and there are really no Hunters skilled in that. Exploration and healing types are usually rated about 0.5 grades higher."
"So an S-rank explorer would be S+?"
"There's no S+ grade, so that comparison is a bit awkward, but when A-rank explorers apply to S-rank Hunter parties, they're often accepted."
"Wow."
The value of exploration abilities was higher than expected. To be able to enter parties a whole grade higher without difficulty.
Actually, when Jin-woo thought about it, that made sense. What had been most difficult for him at the Gate?
The inability to detect the stalking Elf's presence, not knowing what monsters might be waiting just 100m ahead, not being able to go near the stream after the first day, etc.
All were problems that arose from the impossibility of exploration, and if there had been just one Hunter with exploration abilities among his companions, his range of movement would have been much wider.
'I've also gained the ability to detect monsters and living creatures, so I could apply as an explorer.'
The information that explorers could enter parties a grade higher was something to remember.
Of course, right now he is an F-rank Hunter with only one Gate entry record, so even with the explorer track, he could only enter E-rank level parties.
"Regarding this Erosion, I thank you on behalf of the city. Since it was essentially resolved by you two, there will be compensation from the city level for this incident."
"Are you giving me something like a commendation?"
"That's possible too. I'd like to have a conversation about that......"
Ma Du-sik looked around. The city that had just escaped from Erosion was still in chaos.
As the city's leader, he had a mountain of things to do immediately.
"I really want to treat you to a meal. How about next week? It's difficult to make time right now."
"You want to have a meal?"
"Simply put, yes."
Jin-woo made a reluctant expression. The title of mayor was burdensome, and the bear-like huge frame was also burdensome.
Suddenly saying something like this, his heart wouldn't be moved......
"How about Restaurant Jeongun for the venue? It's considered the best place for fine dining in Seoul. I'll treat you with my own money."
"Let's have a meal."
That's what he thought, but he found himself taking the bait without realizing it.
If it was Jeongun, it was a restaurant that appeared in one video per year on the gourmet YouTube channel Jin-woo watched daily. The price was expensive, but the amount was never a waste.
Moreover, to be treated for free, he found himself nodding before he could even think about it.
"Can I come too?"
"Shartia? Didn't you say you'd only stay in Seoul until this week before leaving?"
"I think it would be okay to stay a bit longer. I have things to talk about, too."
"If Hunter Kang Jin-woo is okay with it, I welcome it. How about it?"
"Sure."
Adding a companion wouldn't make the food less delicious.
When Jin-woo nodded casually, both Shartia and Ma Du-sik's faces brightened.
'This was natural enough. Though there's a lump attached......'
'This has become the perfect occasion to butter up Hunter Kang Jin-woo and also entice Shartia. I must definitely clear my schedule next week.'
Each harboring their own thoughts, a three-way meeting was arranged.
'I heard the lamb there is so delicious. Come to think of it, it's my first time eating lamb.'
Among them, Jin-woo was just savoring the anticipation.
***
After Ma Du-sik left to handle the aftermath, only Jin-woo and Shartia remained.
When the mayor and other impressive-looking people left, the people who survived the Erosion flocked to Shartia to express their gratitude.
"Thank you, Hunter! We survived thanks to you!"
"I thought I'd never see my mom's face again. Hueeeeeeng-"
All sorts of people crowded around her to offer thanks. Even though it must have been hectic, Shartia skillfully responded and reciprocated their feelings.
Not only that, she even grabbed Jin-woo's arm beside her and raised it high.
"The one who found the core and cleared this Erosion was Hunter Kang Jin-woo here! I only protected while he was the one who ended the Erosion!"
"Waaaaaaaa!"
"Kang Jin-woo! Kang Jin-woo!"
"Who's Kang Jin-woo? I memorize all A-rank and above, but I've never heard the name Kang Jin-woo?"
There seemed to be someone who couldn't follow the atmosphere, but anyway, it wasn't a bad mood.
He didn't know what was suddenly happening, but whatever.
When Jin-woo also raised his other hand high, cheers erupted.
"Waaaaaaaa!"
"Pup, Jin-woo doesn't skip out on things like this either."
"Well, it's exciting and nice. Though I'm not used to it."
"You should get used to it. Like the mayor said, Jin-woo will become S-rank, and you'll hear even greater cheers than this."
"Aren't you throwing around S-rank too casually? Aren't you just tossing around empty promises?"
"It's real, though."
Though she said that, Jin-woo couldn't imagine himself becoming S-rank.
Especially after seeing Shartia's ability to completely dominate the library and nearby roads, making them her territory.
Right now, his only specialty was being somewhat good with a sword - could he really become S-rank with that?
"Huuu."
"It's finally over."
After some time, the two escaped from the crowd.
Jin-woo let out a small sigh. There had really been a lot of events today.
Getting caught up in Erosion, meeting impressive people like S-rank Hunters and mayors......
But Jin-woo hadn't forgotten his original purpose. What he had wanted to find out when he first left home today.
"Shartia. If it's not rude, may I ask about your past life?"
"Of course."
The answer was so readily given that Jin-woo was surprised instead. As far as he knew, Shartia received various criticisms from New York society because of her Elven past life.
It was called criticism, but it was actually similar to ostracism or bullying. That's why he was prepared to get slapped at least once.
"I would have refused if it were someone else, but it's okay if it's you, Jin-woo."
"Why me?"
"You know why."
"?"
I don't know though?
He was genuinely puzzled about why only he was okay, but for now, his questions about Elves came first.
"Is it true that you were an Elf in your past life?"
"That's right. You seem to have a deep curiosity about Elves? Even at the library, you were only reading books about Elves."
"There's something I want to know."
"Shall we move somewhere else first?"
Shartia gestured to move locations. Talking about past lives wasn't really something to have on a roadside like this.
"Where are we going? Not somewhere like a coffee shop."
There weren't many places suitable for secret conversations. Jin-woo's house or the hotel where she was staying?
But her answer was too unexpected. Instead of words, she took out something ball-like from her inventory and threw it to Jin-woo.
When he caught it, it was a motorcycle helmet. Before he knew it, a sleek black motorcycle had appeared beside her.
"Have you ever been outside the city?"
"Yes. My house's warehouse is outside the city."
"Huh? Warehouse?"
"My house straddles the barrier......"
Shartia looked at him as if dumbfounded. Even he thought it was ridiculous. Living in a house that straddles the barrier.
Still, that place had the cheapest rent - what could he do? Even though it was on the outskirts, in these times when anywhere costs at least 300,000 won a month, that house was only 100,000 won. The maintenance fees were cheap, too.
"Anyway, shall we go for a drive? Don't worry about monsters."
No one would worry about such things when accompanied by an S-rank Hunter. However.
"Shartia. Most of the area outside the city is black Earth, right?"
"There are places that aren't, but most are like that. They're places where clearing the Erosion failed."
"Failed means the Erosion cores remain as they are?"
"Yes. But even if you break the cores now, the black Earth won't disappear."
Jin-woo quickly put on his helmet and got on the back seat of the motorcycle first. It was Shartia's motorcycle, and he didn't have a bike license anyway.
"Let's go."