Chapter 50
Chapter 50
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 52
Chapter Title: Branch 5 (1)
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Of all people, it had to be Clark.
If it were Jin Seong-hyeok himself, he would've either brushed off Clark picking a fight or thrown a blunt remark right back if it really got under his skin. But right now, stuck in Su-ho's body, he couldn't do that.
Clark would never imagine that Jin Seong-hyeok was in the body of the guy standing right in front of him.
Jin Seong-hyeok acted as much like Su-ho as possible. No need for unnecessary misunderstandings.
"Ah, sorry about that. I just got a bit lost..."
Clark's brow furrowed even deeper at Jin Seong-hyeok's words.
"Thought you were all right, but you're an idiot."
What? An idiot? Jin Seong-hyeok debated just smacking him upside the head, then turned to leave.
Ignoring him was easiest. But as Su-ho's feet started moving, Clark's voice rang out from behind.
"Hold up. Stay right there."
Damn. Jin Seong-hyeok swallowed a curse and turned back around.
"You're pretty good, huh? What've you been up to that you're only showing up now?"
"I only just became A-grade, so that's probably why."
"Became A-grade? You mean you weren't before?"
"Yes, that's right."
Clark put on a surprised face for a moment before scoffing.
"Branch 1's full of freaks. SSS-grade Hunters, rank changes, the works."
His sneering tone grated on Jin Seong-hyeok's nerves.
"Maybe we should inspect the whole Branch 1. What if they're doing human experiments or something?"
Oblivious to Jin Seong-hyeok holding back, Clark kept rambling on his own.
"We don't do crap like human experiments. How about it? If you want, I can let you stay in Branch 5."
Jin Seong-hyeok let out a short sigh laced with exasperation.
"Your repertoire never changes."
"What?"
"Not interested. I hate anything bothersome."
Clark froze at the words.
"I hate anything bothersome."
It was the exact same response Jin Seong-hyeok had given to the same question. A smirk crept across Clark's lips.
"Does the whole Branch 1 learn the same lines or something?"
Clark's twisted mood showed plainly on his face. Jin Seong-hyeok couldn't care less.
"You done talking? Can I go now? I've done so much Clean that I feel like puking all over your face any second."
At that, Clark flinched and stepped aside like he'd been zapped.
"Get lost already!"
Watching Clark's disgusted face, Jin Seong-hyeok thought it might not be a bad idea to puke right in his face next time.
His steps were light as he hummed his way down to the lower floor.
Su-ho struggled to lift his eyelids, blinking a couple more times. He felt like he'd slept deeply, so why was his body still tired? His mind was clear, but his body felt strangely heavy.
Wondering if it was lingering effects from those absorbed clumps, Su-ho focused his mind. Most of the absorbed clumps were gone now. The filthy, gnawing sensation that had eaten away at his spirit like rot was down to just a mild unease.
It gave him chills. This level of ability... He was turning into something far more incredible than he'd imagined. And his respect for Jin Seong-hyeok, who made it all possible, surged.
He had the power; he just needed to prepare his body and mind. To wield Jin Seong-hyeok's abilities properly.
'Alright, enough thinking. Time for training.'
Jin Seong-hyeok spoke up, having watched as Su-ho showed no sign of getting out of bed even after waking.
'Mr. Jin Seong-hyeok, you're awake?'
'Yeah. Training starts now.'
Su-ho got out of bed. As he did some light stretching, his stomach growled. At the same time, he heard Jin Seong-hyeok click his tongue.
'Eat first. Actually, works out well. If you say you need to rest after eating, I'll let it slide.'
Su-ho nodded as if to say he got it and picked up the tablet on the table. It was the one Derek had said to contact him with if he needed anything.
'Not a phone?'
'Just write.'
'...Can I write in Korean?'
'It translates. Go ahead.'
Su-ho's fingers moved over the tablet.
[Could you prepare some food, by any chance?]
A reply came almost immediately after sending.
[Please let us know your desired menu, and we'll prepare it right away.]
Menu, huh. Right now, instant ramen with kimchi sounded perfect.
'Shut up and write the meal plan.'
Jin Seong-hyeok cut in sharply, reading Su-ho's thoughts. With a resigned sigh, Su-ho typed a message.
[Hunter meal plan, please. Include chicken breast and protein shakes.]
Su-ho set the tablet down, smacking his lips in disappointment.
'No cheat days, huh?'
'Cheat day, my ass. Wipe out a Dead Zone full of monsters solo, then we'll talk cheat day or chicken day.'
Not even Evil Zone, but Dead Zone.
'Guess I should be grateful it's not Last Zone.'
He probably wouldn't even glimpse ramen for the next few years. Giving up with a hollow chuckle, Su-ho's eyes caught sight of some unfamiliar clothes.
Looking at the black outfit, he asked Jin Seong-hyeok quizzically.
'Someone must've left clothes while I was asleep. Am I supposed to change into these?'
'No.'
'Huh?'
'Those are mine.'
Jin Seong-hyeok's clothes?
Su-ho grabbed the outfit in surprise and asked.
'Why are your clothes here, Mr. Jin Seong-hyeok?!'
'I brought them.'
'Brought them? Don't tell me... you went out in my body while I was sleeping?'
'Yeah. Sorry, didn't warn you ahead of time.'
Su-ho didn't mind. He was asleep anyway. Even if he'd been awake, he'd have handed over his body if Jin Seong-hyeok needed it.
'No, it's fine. Doesn't matter. But why'd you suddenly need my body...?'
'Went to my private room.'
'You have a private room here too? Wait, you still do?'
'Yeah. No idea why, but it's still there. Try it on if it fits.'
Su-ho held up Jin Seong-hyeok's clothes, his eyes sparkling with longing.
'I can wear it?!'
'Go ahead.'
Su-ho stripped off what he was wearing. Jin Seong-hyeok's clothes—shirt and pants. Standing in front of the mirror, disappointment flickered in Su-ho's eyes. Jin Seong-hyeok's laughter echoed endlessly in his head.
'Kukukuk.'
'...Stop laughing.'
'What is this, a kid playing dress-up in adult clothes?'
'...I'm normal. You're the freakishly huge one.'
His shoulders were massive. The sleeves hung down to Su-ho's fingertips because of how far the shoulder seams dropped. The pants were baggy and dragged over his feet.
'Just toss them.'
Su-ho shot back defiantly at Jin Seong-hyeok's words.
'I'll get them tailored and wear them.'
'Tailored?'
Knock knock. Perfect timing. Su-ho took off Jin Seong-hyeok's clothes and changed back into his own. He unlocked and opened the door, surprised to see Derek standing there.
"Oh. You're delivering it yourself, Examiner?"
"I came in person to check on Helper Cha Su-ho's condition as well."
Derek set the tray he was holding on the table and asked.
"How's your body feeling?"
"It's fi—"
'Tell him you need more rest. So we can train.'
Su-ho quickly changed his words at Jin Seong-hyeok's prompt.
"I thought I was okay, but since I still feel a bit off, I should eat and rest more."
Derek nodded as if it were obvious.
"Hunter Eric, whom Helper Cha Su-ho Cleaned, has woken up and is recovering."
"Is he alright?"
"Yes. It's all thanks to Helper Cha Su-ho. Everyone in Branch 5 is grateful."
"No, I just did what needed doing."
Derek looked at Su-ho with an impressed expression.
"Once you're feeling better, please come to the exam room. Nothing serious—just a light check on your condition. We can't have you getting sick."
"Got it."
"And..."
Derek continued cautiously.
"The Hunters of Branch 5 hope Helper Cha Su-ho will join the next Dead Zone raid."
Su-ho's face remained calm, as if he'd expected it. After reverting a berserk Hunter, they'd naturally want him on-site. They'd want to experience his Clean firsthand too.
"I'm good with that. But I'm not in great shape right now, so it might take a bit."
"Of course. We'll go when Helper Cha Su-ho says you're ready. However, the current Dead Zone and Last Zone are at monster capacity..."
Su-ho nodded understandingly at Derek, who was watching his reaction.
"A few days' rest should do it."
Derek's eyes widened as if he'd misheard. He'd figured Su-ho would need about a week to recover. Just a few days? Derek waved his hands frantically.
"No need to push yourself! We'll schedule the raid for a week from now, so focus on recovering until then. We'll help however we can."
"Understood. And one request..."
"Yes, anything."
"I recover best by sleeping. But I'm a light sleeper, so I'd appreciate no one coming near the room."
Derek nodded vigorously.
"Don't worry. No one will come near unless Helper Cha Su-ho calls. Lock it from inside, and no one can open it anyway. Rest easy."
This way, nothing would interrupt his training with Jin Seong-hyeok.
"Perfect. Oh, one more favor?"
Su-ho held out Jin Seong-hyeok's clothes to Derek.
"Not sure if I can ask you, Examiner, but could you send these to my secretary?"
"Yes. I'll send them to Helper Cha Su-ho's secretary."
Su-ho thanked him as Derek took them.
"Then, rest well, and contact us anytime if you need anything!"
The door closed. Su-ho confirmed it was locked tight, then glanced at the watch on his wrist.
'Contacting your secretary?'
'Yeah. Raid's in a week—better get it back before then.'
'Planning to wear my clothes to the field?'
'Not yours anymore. You gave them to me, so they're mine.'
Jin Seong-hyeok burst into incredulous laughter.
'Fine. Your clothes.'
'Might as well switch to the same style as you. I'm set on becoming a Hunter anyway—comfort's key.'
Su-ho brought the watch to his mouth and spoke.
"This is Helper Cha Su-ho. Sending you some clothes—please tailor them to my size. And make a few more outfits just like them to send back with it. Thanks."
After the short voice message to Min Gi-uk, Su-ho turned toward the bathroom.
'Alright then.'
His hand grabbed the bathtub plug as casually as ever, continuing.
'Time for training.'