Chapter 58
Chapter 58
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 60
Chapter Title: Raid (1)
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Waiting wasn't a hard thing. He needed time to train anyway.
The problem was the Center 1 Director. After all, he was Association personnel too. He already knew that Cha Su-ho wielded both Hunter and Helper abilities. That meant he'd be extremely reluctant to let Su-ho head off to another branch.
He couldn't block Su-ho either, not after Su-ho had already publicly declared he'd do both. So the Center 1 Director had just one option: cater to Su-ho's wishes as much as possible while keeping him in Branch 1.
It was the same as with Jin Seong-hyeok. Though, of course, Jin Seong-hyeok had stayed put partly because it was too much of a hassle to leave.
Su-ho, who had been listening quietly, finally spoke up.
"I'll do that for the time being."
In front of Branch 1, where they already knew his abilities, he wouldn't need to explain himself and could use his powers freely. Plus, he could train on the side.
"But if a moment comes where I need to use my power, I'll do it anywhere—not just in front of Branch 1."
Staring straight at Ji-young, Su-ho continued.
"Hunter and Helper lives matter just as much as those of civilians, Association staff, or government officials."
Civilians would spend their days in peace. Blissfully unaware of how many Hunters and Helpers were dying, they'd just watch videos—produced by the Association and government—of Hunters and Helpers slaying monsters like heroes.
They'd blindly follow and trust the Association and government, believing they were truly protected. It wasn't the civilians' fault. The real problem was the Association and each country's government, who isolated Hunters and Helpers from civilians in the first place.
"And someday, when the day comes that I can use my full power..."
Ji-young froze at Su-ho's unconscious mutter.
The day he used his full power?
In other words, Su-ho hadn't used everything he had yet. He already had unparalleled Clean skills, plus Jin Seong-hyeok's techniques as a Hunter. The idea that he still had untapped power was mind-boggling.
"I've had a question for a while now."
That incongruity she'd felt all along.
"Cha Su-ho."
Ji-young stared straight at him and asked.
"The Jin Seong-hyeok I know is indifferent and apathetic. He doesn't care about people at all."
Jin Seong-hyeok, listening in, muttered to himself.
'She knows me well.'
"Even when I ask him something, all I get is a curt reply."
'I'd get hounded if I didn't answer.'
Su-ho shot back at Jin Seong-hyeok, who sounded annoyed.
'It's a miracle you two never fought...'
"But you—after just one meeting—you know quite a bit about him, and you're even using his techniques."
Su-ho paused mid-thought to Ji-young at her words.
"Cha Su-ho."
Su-ho's eyes trembled faintly.
"What's your deal with Jin Seong-hyeok?"
"My deal...? Mr. Jin is a Hunter everyone respects, and I just happened to..."
"Don't lie."
Ji-young recalled what the Center 1 Director had said before leaving the Center.
"Chief Examiner Trevor mentioned it. He couldn't figure out why he kept seeing Jin Seong-hyeok Hunter's shadow in you, Cha Su-ho the Helper."
Come to think of it, that was odd. Su-ho had said Jin Seong-hyeok told him he could control monsters.
Thinking about it now, that didn't add up. The Jin Seong-hyeok she'd known wasn't one to explain things to anyone. He'd just nod curtly at even a greeting from a stranger and walk past.
"Oh yeah, you said you were with Jin Seong-hyeok when he died, right?"
Ji-young's expression turned profoundly curious.
"You don't happen to..."
Su-ho swallowed dryly under her icy stare.
"...see Jin Seong-hyeok's ghost or something?"
Ghost? Su-ho's tension deflated in an instant. Jin Seong-hyeok's laughter echoed in his head.
'Kekeke, you really exceed expectations.'
Ignoring the chuckling Jin Seong-hyeok, Su-ho replied.
"No way... that could be true, right?"
"Then what is it? Trevor and I are dying to know."
"It's getting late. People might think something's up if we keep this going."
Su-ho yanked the seated Ji-young to her feet and shoved her toward the door.
"Hey, Cha Su-ho! No one comes here!"
"You never know."
Finally succeeding in pushing her out the door, Su-ho flashed a bright smile.
"Good night, then."
Click. Staring at the closed door, Ji-young muttered in disbelief.
"Ha, he dared kick me out? Cha Su-ho, you're dead meat!"
Jin Seong-hyeok, who had been listening to her wails outside the door, let out a long sigh.
'Cha Su-ho.'
'Yeah?'
'You're hopeless at romance. First love virgin like you? Unheard of.'
'Love virgin?! No, I'm not. Back in the day, I even dated for a while...!'
'Not what I meant. Whatever. My jaw hurts just talking about it. Give up on love and focus on training.'
'No, I wasn't planning to give up...!'
'It'll be easier that way. You're hopeless.'
'What kind of curse is that!'
With that, Su-ho launched into an endless argument with Jin Seong-hyeok. He'd completely forgotten Ji-young was still standing outside.
In front of the mirror, Su-ho checked his appearance. Black shirt and pants—Jin Seong-hyeok's clothes, perfectly tailored by Min Gi-uk.
It was all from Jin Seong-hyeok, but not the shoes. Jin Seong-hyeok usually wore dress shoes, but Su-ho preferred sneakers. Finding heels uncomfortable, Su-ho seemed satisfied with his outfit, sneakers included.
'Mr. Jin's clothes fit too perfectly.'
To Su-ho, who'd only ever worn Helper uniforms, these felt fresh. Like he was a Hunter himself.
'You are a Hunter.'
Su-ho nodded in agreement at Jin Seong-hyeok's read of his thoughts.
'Seriously, wearing this makes me feel even more like one.'
'Like what?'
'Like I want to be a Hunter like you.'
A Hunter like Jin Seong-hyeok. Mimicking him perfectly was impossible. But still,
'Someday, I'd love to become a Hunter who surpasses you, Mr. Jin.'
Jin Seong-hyeok let out a hollow chuckle at Su-ho's ambition.
'Catch up to my shadow first, then talk.'
'Just wait. I'll catch up soon.'
Jin Seong-hyeok spoke calmly to Su-ho, who grinned at his reflection.
'It's the Dead Zone. You'll see once you go, but...'
Dead Zone. Su-ho's smile faded at those words.
'I know.'
'Even with me here, things could go south. But no need to get exposed right from the start.'
In other words, hide that he was a Hunter.
'Don't worry.'
'Good. Seems you're all set.'
Su-ho glanced at the clock.
'Time to head to the Dead Zone.'
As Su-ho stepped out, Kwon Oh and Ji-young appeared ahead. Their eyes widened at his look.
"Whoa, that outfit? Looks good."
"Su-ho, the clothes are cool."
They clearly had no idea it was Jin Seong-hyeok's.
'Different rack, that's why.'
'...I know.'
Su-ho walked toward them.
"Hmm? Heading to the Dead Zone and you're chill as ever?"
Ji-young eyed him up and down.
"Tensing up won't change anything."
She couldn't even imagine he'd already soloed a Sterion in the Dead Zone.
"Branch 5's with us too, so stay sharp."
Su-ho nodded at her reminder and moved out. The three walked side by side down the hall to the Teleport Zone.
They were 30 minutes early, but the Teleport Zone buzzed. Examiners and security personnel crowded the place.
"What, here to see us off?"
The line of examiners in front of the Teleport Zone looked just like a proper Branch 5 send-off.
A few even greeted Su-ho, Ji-young, and Kwon Oh. As the trio reached the front,
"Should we head in and wait?"
Cheers erupted just as Ji-young spoke. Su-ho turned toward the noise and let out a hollow laugh.
Strutting like a hero up front was Clark, with Branch 5 Hunters and Helpers behind him. True to form, Ronnie and Larry each held massive disposable water bottles.
Spotting Su-ho and Kwon Oh, Larry waved wildly.
"Yeah, friends! I whipped up some killer shakes for my buddies!"
Ronnie rummaged in his huge backpack and pulled something out. Su-ho paled at the sight.
"Oh! Man, check this out. Stocked up big time this round."
Two 2L bottles. Clearly one for Kwon Oh and one for Su-ho. While Su-ho scowled, Kwon Oh waved back eagerly.
'Nice colleagues.'
Jin Seong-hyeok agreed.
Ha. Should've grabbed antacids.
By the time Su-ho sighed, Branch 5's Hunters and Helpers had arrived at the Teleport Zone.
Clark scanned the trio, then planted himself in front of Su-ho.
"Dead Zone, huh? You gonna make it, or piss yourself when we get there?"
He cackled to himself like it was hilarious.
'Wanna swap bodies?'
'Why.'
'Might as well deck him while you're at it?'
Jin Seong-hyeok chuckled.
'Ignore him. The more you engage, the wilder he gets.'
Hed dealt with Clark before.
'Probably never met anyone better than him. Thought he had it all—money, fame—till he ran into superiors. Now inferiority complex. And those superiors? Couldn't care less. Looks like you're next. Already tired.'
Su-ho sighed softly at Jin Seong-hyeok's words.
'Know the law of conservation of crazies?'
'What? Crazies?'
'Every group has 'em. Association, Hunters, Helpers—everywhere.'
'So Clark's the crazy one?'
'Pretty much.'
Clark muttered, eyeing Su-ho's amused smirk with distaste.
"Still don't like you. Tch."
He clicked his tongue and turned away. Jin Seong-hyeok knew Su-ho's urge to grab his collar.
'Ignore. Crush him with skill later. For now,'
Su-ho's gaze drifted naturally to the teleporter. Both voices synced up.
'Time for the Dead Zone.'
'Time to head to the Dead Zone.'