[ Special-Grade Bait (1) ]
Perhaps it was the gloomy gray sky and the backdrop of collapsed, burned-out buildings, but Song Taewon’s eyes looked more than weary; they seemed almost sinister. Given his position, he had every right to be exhausted, but his gaze went beyond mere fatigue. It was like looking at a starving tiger, battered by a storm yet still retaining enough strength for one final leap. And his target was none other than me.
If I didn’t have Fear Resistance, that look might’ve given me chills.
‘Still, I doubt Song Taewon is involved in this mess.’
If he were the kind of man to scheme and falsely accuse people, he’d be living a much easier life. He wouldn’t act like a monk, binding himself with rules despite being both a high-ranking official and an S-rank hunter.
As a former ordinary citizen, I could appreciate his sense of duty, but at the same time, I could understand why Seong Hyunjae had blasted his way through with such force. The man could be infuriatingly rigid.
‘It’ll be very difficult dealing with him.’
Judging by how acutely he was assessing my condition, I didn’t even feel like applying my Keyword skill to him. Honestly, discarding him would be the easiest and quickest route. Without Song Taewon, the Hunter Association would naturally lose its power.
But even so, I didn’t want him to meet the same end as he had before my regression. What should I do? I considered striking up a conversation, but Song Taewon turned and walked away. He exchanged a few words with the people setting up barriers around the debris and disappeared beyond them.
There was something haunting about his broad yet burdened shoulders.
“Yuhyun, you’re not wiretapping my calls, are you?”
I turned and asked.
“No. And even if I wanted to, the signal jammer doesn’t cover a wide radius. Plus, there’d be too much backlash, so wiretapping isn’t feasible.”
Thinking of the people I communicate with, I could see why.
“No one complained about the phone block?”
“They agreed since it’s only for your vacation period. Even Sesung and Breaker were on board. I was planning to handle things while you took a break.”
Yuhyun glanced at the collapsed building.
“Seems the Breaker Guild Leader couldn’t keep her mouth shut.”
“She wasn’t going to tell me, but I pried it out of her.”
“What did you have to give up this time?”
His gaze sharpened as he looked at me. I was trying to act nonchalant to avoid suspicion, but my little brother didn’t seem too happy. He must be referring to the price I paid for this mess.
“Oh, just the usual. I didn’t mean to make a scene this time, but they were playing so dirty.”
If they’d gone all out and set the building on fire, Yuhyun might’ve gotten mad, watched the fire, and cooled off. …Or maybe not. He’d probably still be scrambling to handle the aftermath. Anyway, at least he hadn’t come and wrecked the place himself.
“Alright.”
I’d been bracing myself, but my brother backed off surprisingly easily. Strange. Just then, another car arrived. A man stepped out with an expensive-looking camera and started photographing the building ruins. As I wondered if he was a reporter, another person exited the car, carrying a large bouquet of flowers.
I’d never seen the person before, but I could guess where they were from.
“Mr. Han Yujin.”
The bouquet was presented to me. Roses. The raindrops clinging to the petals made them look even fresher.
“Guild Leader Seong Hyunjae asked me to convey his regret that he couldn’t attend such a splendid performance in person.”
“Oh, I see.”
Hearing about this and only sending someone in his place… That’s not like him.
‘So that whole “busy” excuse wasn’t just an excuse, huh.’
There must be another reason he couldn’t come. What on earth is he doing? I was about to accept the bouquet absentmindedly when—
Whoosh—
The roses burst into bright flames.
“You shouldn’t accept things like that so casually, hyung.”
“He’s right. Bouquets are especially dangerous. You never know what might be hidden inside.”
Noah, have you received a bouquet with a blade in it before? Even if there was a weapon inside, that wouldn’t be too bad. I could prick my finger a bit and argue for debt forgiveness.
“You two get along well. Why don’t you become friends?”
I tossed out a lighthearted suggestion, and Yuhyun and Noah both furrowed their brows in unison. Wow, even their expressions matched. Maybe if I kept them around each other, they’d grow fond of each other. Boys often become friends after a few fights, right?
The thought of the two of them hanging out made me happy. They’d make quite the visual duo. What do young people do for fun these days?
“He also sent one more thing.”
The Sesung Guild member seemed briefly surprised that the bouquet had gone up in flames but calmly pulled out a small box. You’d have to be pretty unflappable to work for Seong Hyunjae.
“Don’t burn this one.”
I told Yuhyun, then quickly took the box. Inside was a wristwatch.
“It’s a hunter’s watch that can be stored in your inventory.”
I’d been planning to get one myself anyway.
“I didn’t set up this stage, but he insists on paying an admission fee, I’ll accept it.”
Hunter watches are made from dungeon materials and assembled piece by piece, making them both expensive and time-consuming to order. So I’ll accept it gratefully—
“…I ordered one, too.”
Yuhyun muttered quietly. Ah, wait—
“Thank you for the thought, but no thanks.”
I shut the box and handed the watch back like I was throwing it away. Don’t need it. The Sesung member looked a bit troubled but stepped back without protest.
I wanted to talk to Song Taewon before leaving, but he was busy managing the scene. Since I’d reported this as an A-rank or higher dungeon break, it would keep everyone occupied for a while. They’d probably be scouring the area to make sure there were no remaining monsters, since I’d only dealt with the boss monster, the massive dragon.
I felt a bit guilty. Falsifying reports is wrong, but since the Association put out a false article first, let’s call it even.
“Sorry, but there’s only room for one more.”
Yuhyun said to Noah with a completely unapologetic expression. Then he grabbed my arm and shoved me into the passenger seat of the car. He wouldn’t have intentionally brought a car with only two seats, would he?
Before I could say anything to Noah, the car started. Sure, he could find his way home, but wasn’t it a bit harsh to just leave him there?
“You said you’d rest quietly.”
Driving down the road, emptier than usual due to restricted access, Yuhyun spoke up. He’d said “okay” earlier, but it seemed he hadn’t fully let it go.
“Officially, I didn’t do anything. I just came to see my brother.”
“Hyung.”
“So, what was your plan? Risk your reputation?”
The sound of tires screeching against asphalt filled the silence as he pulled over to the side of the road. I suddenly felt a bit empty-handed. I wish I could pet Peace or Chirp.
“If I tell you, you’ll get involved again.”
“I’ll get involved whether you tell me or not.”
His glare was sharp. I really wanted to stroke Peace’s warm, soft fur right now.
“Wouldn’t it be better for you to tell me than have me digging around?”
“What if you just let me take you home? I’ll even let you have Peace and Chirp.”
He’s talking about his place, I’m sure. If he blocked off the mini-portal, I wouldn’t be able to move. I could always have Peace break a window and make a run for it, though.
“Do whatever you want.”
“…What?”
“At least tell me. I’m curious.”
After a short silence, Yuhyun’s voice softened slightly as he spoke.
“There are people in the Association, or affiliated with it, who are trying to make deals with foreign countries.”
“With other countries?”
“China or Russia, most likely, but I’m not certain. And their target is you.”
“According to Hyunah, the Korean government also wants to put a leash on me.”
“That’s still up for debate. You’re cooperative, so there’s a stronger push to avoid provoking you.”
Makes sense. They wouldn’t want me fleeing abroad and stirring things up there. I’d be welcomed wherever I went.
“It seems the fact that you can predict the awakening levels of non-awakened people has already leaked. Add that to monster-taming, and the possibility of creating an army of awakeners becomes an enticing prospect for any dictator. Especially since younger, unawakened individuals would be easier to train.”
So, they’re thinking of brainwashing kids to form a unit of awakeners? Humanity really disappoints me. I didn’t think they’d consider using me like that. There are some truly disgusting people out there.
“Whoever’s behind this, they must’ve been offered enough to sell out everyone.”
It’s not surprising, given that we’ve seen people willing to sell out entire countries.
“Still, it won’t be easy to get to me. I’m constantly surrounded by S-rank hunters.”
With Noah on standby and Peace around, plus the Haeyeon Guild building filled with S-rank hunters right next door, it would be hard to get close to me. Even when I went out, an S-rank hunter almost always accompanied me these days.
“Under current conditions, it’s practically impossible. If it weren’t, I would’ve kept you under lock and key until the situation was resolved.”
“That sounds like you had no intention of asking for my consent. There are other people connected to me, you know.”
“Do what you want. They’d all probably agree anyway.”
Yeah, probably. They’d come visit often, I’m sure. I just hope Seong Hyunjae stays away.
“So, since they couldn’t get to me, they started targeting you?”
“To be precise, I led them to target me. The Sesung Guild Leader was the first to learn that information about you had leaked. Smuggling a rare skill user overseas is practically an act of treason, so if exposed, it would severely damage the Association. He asked for my cooperation.”
“How did he even know?”
“I’m not sure, but it seems the Sesung Guild Leader has connections abroad. Extensive and deep ones.”
Not surprising. Considering that Seong Hyunjae had been in cahoots with the Lizard Master ever since his awakening, it wouldn’t be shocking if he had upper-rank hunters leashed all over the world, like he did with Noah.
…Maybe I should be a bit worried about my future. Should I cut ties now while I still can? But he’s too valuable to let go.
“I deliberately created an excuse for them to attack me, figuring they’d approach if I appeared vulnerable.”
“Since when? When you went dungeon-crawling with Peace?”
“Around then.”
“So, not too long ago. Wait, were you faking it when you came out of the lake dungeon?”
Yuhyun smiled at my question.
“No. I just didn’t hold back as much.”
Not that he didn’t hold back at all—just not as much.
“And your fight with Noah?”
“I held back a lot that time.”
“…But the confinement center thing was too much. The latex mattress I bought burned up before I even got to use it.”
“Latex mattress? Should I get you one?”
“I’m talking about Yun Kyungsu.”
I was planning to use the Keyword on him and keep him in check.
“Oh, that guy.”
Yuhyun tapped the steering wheel with his long fingers.
“I heard something from Hunter Liette.”
“From Liette? What did she say?”
“It’s nothing serious. The confinement center incident has no evidence, so don’t worry. It’s just excessive force, that’s all.”
Yuhyun went on to mention that there were other minor things he could be criticized for. While he hadn’t done anything too drastic intentionally, it seemed his provocations were quick to elicit a response. They were beginning to pile on accusations to ramp up the pressure.
Tightening the noose around Han Yuhyun’s neck would also make it easier for them to get to me.
“But openly damaging your reputation like this could have lasting consequences. I’d have a hard time just standing by. So let’s end this cleanly.”
Yuhyun’s frown deepened at my suggestion.
“Let’s go home. I’ll let you go in a week.”
“Hey, wait!”
And it took a lot to persuade my brother after that.
On a rooftop garden, filming equipment was set up around me. With everyone’s eyes on me, I nervously petted Peace, who was sitting on my lap. A male and female celebrity sitting across from me smiled warmly.
“That was an incredible flight.”
-Kyaa!
Understanding the compliment directed at her, Blue proudly flapped her wings. Then, they asked me a few questions, to which I replied with a polite awkwardness. They marveled at my answers, though the praise seemed a bit over-the-top for broadcast.
Just then, amidst a bit of commotion, the camera turned from us to focus on a nearby path. When I looked over, I saw a tall young man approaching. It was Yuhyun. Our eyes met, and he gave me the brightest smile. Handsome as ever—he really is my little brother.
“Guess I arrived a bit early. Didn’t realize you were still filming.”
“It’s live, actually.”
“Oh, really?”
Yuhyun feigned surprise, his eyes widening. The two celebrities looked flustered and asked if he was okay being on camera. Naturally, Haeyeon’s Guild Leader assured them with a bright smile.
“You two seem very close.”
“We’re the only family each other has. He’s a very proud younger brother, though his one flaw is that he worries about me a bit too much.”
“What’s wrong with being concerned for you, hyung?”
“But I don’t like you getting criticized because of me…”
I trailed off deliberately, looking at Yuhyun with a sad expression. It wasn’t hard to put on a regretful face. With a sigh, I murmured, “It’s all my fault,” baiting the male celebrity to ask, “What’s going on?”
“There’s been talk recently about Haeyeon’s Guild Leader being a bit rough.”
I explained it was all because he worried too much about me. I emphasized that I was just an F-rank, practically a regular person. A brother close to an ordinary man. Look how sweet he is—an S-rank shielding his weak older brother. We’re incredibly close.
“If only I were stronger, these rumors wouldn’t have come up. It’s all my fault.”
“Don’t say that, hyung. I’m fine.”
It was true, but this back-and-forth on camera was a bit cringeworthy. The two celebrities looked deeply moved. Considering how close Yuhyun was, they must have felt some pressure, but they hid it well. True professionals.
Just as the heartwarming scene continued, an unwelcome guest appeared—Song Taewon.
“Hunter Han Yujin, I’m arresting you for instigating the assault of Junhwan Jeon and eight others, as well as violating the Dungeon Gate Special Law.”
–TL Notes–
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