Chapter 105
Chapter 105
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 105
Chapter Title: Presidential Interest
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While riding in Sa Seung-hee's car toward Seoul, she spoke up.
"There's a ton of attention focused on Hunter Yoo Chan-seok right now."
"Yeah, denying it would just be misleading at this point. The interest is overwhelming."
This was the exact result I'd aimed for. Without this level of attention and public expectation, I wouldn't be able to operate so boldly right now.
"The moment word spread that Hunter Yoo Chan-seok is challenging Hope's List, even the higher-ups took notice."
The higher-ups, huh. I smiled at Sa Seung-hee's words and replied.
"For example?"
She gestured toward the radio.
— President Cho Won-hoon's approval rating currently stands at about 52.7% as his term nears its end. That's a drop of roughly 6.8% from the survey three months ago.
"Not talking about the radio host, I hope."
Sa Seung-hee nodded at my words. I let out a scoff, incredulous.
"Right after I wrecked Gyodongdo, Incheon's mayor tried pulling some stunt. Guess the president isn't much different."
"That's how massive Hunter Yoo Chan-seok's fame is right now. If the Headhunter keeps this up through next year, you'll be drawing BTS-level attention."
Some joke.
"You know how big BTS was?"
Sa Seung-hee shrugged at my question.
"I just know they were insanely popular. Truth is, we're not from that era."
I got it. It was like me vaguely imagining the Beatles' popularity without having lived through it.
Having experienced BTS at the peak of their fame, I could only chuckle dryly at her words. It really hit home how much time had passed on Earth.
"Anyway, the president. Wants me to help sell his face for the election or something?"
Sa Seung-hee replied.
"That's the rumor."
It wasn't strange that Sa Seung-hee had this info. Oduak might sound like just a cafe at first, but it was a massive cafe brand catering to hunters.
And she owned the whole thing. People running businesses that size naturally got the scoop on regime changes and elections fast.
If anything, knowing about Erosion Cores was the unusual part.
"It'll probably start with mentioning Hunter Yoo Chan-seok at some official event."
And then invitations to lunch or dinner.
"I'm a hunter. I don't want to get tossed around by politicians. What do you think happens if I turn it down?"
Sa Seung-hee gave a straightforward answer.
"They'll try to put the brakes on you. Honestly, Hunter Yoo Chan-seok's moves keep poking at the Korean government's core policies."
"Oh, really?"
She glanced at me while driving before responding.
"The Korean government wants to drag out this atmosphere created by the Erosion Zones as long as possible."
Obviously. Anyone with a brain could guess that much.
"Hunter Yoo Chan-seok is getting in the way of their plans right now. They're not blocking you yet because they still see some use in you, but..."
I turned my gaze to the car window. It was dark outside. My face faintly reflected back at me.
"Once they realize there's no more value, they'll come at me aggressively, right?"
"Pretty much guaranteed."
Life's a funny thing. All I wanted was to clear out Erosion Zones as a hunter, retire peacefully once it was all done, and live quietly.
But people had no intention of leaving me alone. Same as back in that other world.
People can't live nobly, after all.
"No problem. I saw this coming."
This wasn't something I stirred up without expecting the powerful and wealthy to take notice.
I'm not some guy selling fish-shaped buns in the neighborhood. Of course the power-holders would swarm like flies to shit.
What mattered was who put on the collar and who wielded the whip.
I had no hobby of wearing collars. Especially since the president was a guy from the sound of his name. Hell, I wouldn't tolerate one from a woman, let alone a man. Was I crazy?
"Thanks for the heads-up."
"No big deal. I have expectations for the three hunters operating under the Headhunter name."
Once we hit Hope's List, me, Han Sang-ah, and Jeong O-hun would have plenty of uses. The president was the least of our worries.
To those chasing money, we'd look like walking wallets. To glory-seekers, fancy accessories to flaunt.
And to power-hungrys, crowns to wear on their heads.
"We're here. You'll be staying put until the main event starts."
The main event was at Jamsil Stadium. Participants stayed at a nearby hotel during it.
"Nice facilities."
"No hunter entering this tournament lacks skill or fame."
Naturally, their treatment was top-notch. A banner proudly proclaiming 'Welcome, Hunters!' hung in view.
"Hunter Yoo Chan-seok?"
The person guarding the hotel entrance checked my ID on their smartphone and widened their eyes.
"Welcome. We've been waiting. Oh, and we're always cheering for you."
I smiled back.
"Thank you. It's because of your efforts that I can focus on what I need to do."
They asked for an autograph. A thank-you and a signature were free, so why not?
"If you sell it on the secondhand market later, price it high, okay? I'd feel bad if it went cheap."
"What are you saying? I'd never sell this!"
We'd see if they said that after some incident trashed my current popularity and fame.
I exchanged greetings and pulled into the hotel parking lot, stepping out of Sa Seung-hee's car.
"Thanks."
"My pleasure. Looking forward to seeing your name on the list."
Sa Seung-hee waved and left. Then, a suited man approached with a group from behind.
What, gangsters?
"I'm General Manager Choi Yoon. It's an honor to serve you, Hunter Yoo Chan-seok."
"Yoo Chan-seok here. Honored to meet you."
Was some big shot arriving that the GM came out himself?
"We'll do our utmost to ensure your stay is comfortable."
"Bed and roof are all I need."
The GM laughed at my response.
"We can't treat Hunter Yoo Chan-seok like that, or our hotel would go bankrupt."
"Whoa, can't have that. Don't worry, I won't smoke in the room."
The public was practically convinced I'd make Hope's List. Even the legal toto bets on my wins had ridiculously low odds.
"We'll escort you to the Grand Suite."
86 pyeong, with an office, conference room, living room, dining area, two bathrooms, and two bedrooms.
"There will be no charges for any facilities or services during your stay. We sincerely hope you have a pleasant time."
"What about training facilities...?"
The GM answered immediately.
"There's a dedicated training room at Jamsil Gymnasium. A 24-hour expert consultation team is on standby. Just contact us, and we'll have everything ready in three minutes and escort you safely."
"Thank you."
The GM let out an "Ah."
"Hunters Han Sang-ah and Jeong O-hun have arrived. Mind if I contact them?"
"Yeah, go ahead."
We had things to discuss anyway. After settling into the room, Han Sang-ah and Jeong O-hun showed up soon after.
"Whoa, Chan-seok! It's been ages."
Jeong O-hun grinned and greeted me warmly.
"Anyone'd think years passed."
He plopped onto the sofa with a smirk. Han Sang-ah followed suit.
"You two look unscathed."
"No opponents worth that much effort."
Han Sang-ah picked up the phone and ordered three teas. Snacks arrived shortly after.
They moved like pros, totally at ease, like it was home.
After a sip, I relayed what Sa Seung-hee had told me.
"Taebaek's special forces unit, huh."
Jeong O-hun stroked his chin.
"Know anything?"
He shook his head.
"Heard some weird rumors, but nothing credible. Like they eat gasoline-soaked metal scraps for breakfast-level bullshit."
Total bullshit. Why eat that when good food's around?
"Everyone knows it's Taebaek's flagship direct unit, but no one knows the members. They hide their identities tight."
Han Sang-ah said, lifting her teacup.
"Can we win?"
"Gotta clash to find out."
Jeong O-hun looked troubled at my words.
"No intel on who they are, so no gauge on strength, and no strength info means no odds."
I gave a firm answer to his uneasy expression.
"We're strong. No one can deny it. And it's not just us in the dark about them."
They don't know our full strength either.
"No way we went all-out in prelims."
Han Sang-ah replied.
"Matches felt a bit rigged against us, but we didn't give it everything."
Jeong O-hun agreed.
"Bratsk's fridge was just me and Han Sang-ah. Jaun Valley had a crowd, but we never needed full power."
Jaun Valley's core clumsily grazed my soul and self-destructed. None of the other hunters there truly knew our capabilities.
"No need to worry. Tune condition before mains, train just enough to keep sharp."
That'd suffice.
"Us aside, what about you? Think you can really beat Choi Yeoreum, Wonder Club's queen?"
"If I thought I'd lose, I wouldn't try."
I could dodge if I wanted. But I'm going for it because I know I'll win.
"Top 10 on the list have never faced challengers anyway."
Jeong O-hun nodded.
"Curious what face they'll make when you challenge."
"I'm more curious about everyone else's faces after I win."
I clapped once and looked at them.
"Anyway, both of you stay sharp. They might be stronger than you think."
Underestimate and catch one solid hit, even a winnable fight turns sour.
After sharing Sa Seung-hee's info, we split to prep for the mains.