Chapter 121 — Cleaning is Best Done with Water (1)
Han Yujin had gone missing.
At 9 a.m., as soon as visiting hours began, the Haeyeon Guild Leader had stormed in to see his brother, only to find an empty cell. His fury was palpable. The prison officer in charge, caught by the collar by Han Yuhyun, stammered and trembled, explaining that an order had come down to transfer Han Yujin.
However, the vehicle that had taken Han Yujin out of the facility had mysteriously disappeared.
The Hunter Association was in turmoil, and temporary checkpoints sprang up everywhere. News portals were flooded with articles. An interview with the Haeyeon Guild Leader, capturing his devastated state, flashed across breaking news.
— Where is Han Yujin, the world’s only Monster Breeder?
— He’s likely already left the country.
— A tragic consequence of the Hunter Association’s inadequate management system.
— The economic and social value of the Monster Breeding skill.
By noon, the entire nation was abuzz. Clips from Han Yujin’s past TV appearances and his recent live broadcast filled screens repeatedly. While some people simply expressed concern over his disappearance, the main sentiment focused on Han Yujin’s value.
The economic benefits he generated by raising monsters, the increased stability in dungeon management, how foreign hunters were eager to entrust their young monsters to him… Even hopes for foreign currency earnings.
Every media outlet was buzzing non-stop about how Han Yujin’s disappearance could cause enormous damage to the country.
And then, late in the afternoon…
“I should’ve protected him. I promised I’d protect him…”
Park Yerim, who had just emerged from a dungeon and only learned of the news afterward, tearfully pleaded in front of the cameras. She shared bits and pieces of her relationship with Han Yujin, sniffing and asking any potential kidnapper to please return “Mister” safely.
Yu Myungwoo also expressed concern for his friend, his face shadowed with worry. Interest in the missing person case grew, like a snowball rolling downhill, gathering more and more attention.
“Why Hong Kong?!”
With her face clear of any signs of tears, Park Yerim shouted.
“I want to go too! I’ll rescue him, and do some sightseeing! Isn’t there a Di○neyland in Hong Kong?”
“It closed at the end of last year due to an A-rank dungeon break.”
At Seok Gimyeong’s words, Park Yerim looked disappointed. She had wanted to go to an amusement park with Yujin. At her grumbling, Han Yuhyun, who was staring intently at the contract papers spread out on the table, finally raised his head.
“You never know what problems might arise. Don’t take this lightly.”
“That’s exactly why I think I should go. I have teleportation and flight skills, so I can sneak onto a plane just like Noah did. I could bring him back quickly.”
“You don’t have a stealth skill. If you get caught, you could put my brother in even greater danger.”
With her lack of a stealth skill, Park Yerim’s experience was insufficient to hide herself gracefully. At his cold words, she pouted and sighed heavily.
“I wonder if Mister’s eating properly. We need to break down the association or whatever and bring him back soon. Three days, that’s all it’ll take, right?”
“We’ve already almost finished tracking down the people involved with Chief Song’s team.”
Seok Gimyeong responded.
“But to clean everything up thoroughly, we’ll need to proceed cautiously. It may take two or three more days.”
“…I could just use my skill.”
White Corpse. If she used the skill that extracted memories from corpses, it would be much easier and quicker to capture those involved in Han Yujin’s abduction. But Han Yujin had been adamant about not wanting her to use that skill unless there was no other option. He had even made her promise not to use it unless it was absolutely necessary.
“By the way, what’s that Sesung Guild Leader up to?”
Park Yerim was about to suggest calling Kang Soyeong, thinking that getting him to help might speed things up.
“Uh…”
Do Hamin, seated in front of the communication equipment, hesitated and finally spoke up.
“Just now, we got word from Mr. Noah.”
Everyone turned to look at him. Do Hamin, not yet used to being in front of top-tier hunters and S-rank hunters, pushed up his round glasses nervously.
“It seems… that the Sesung Guild Leader is in Hong Kong.”
“…Excuse me?”
Han Yuhyun’s voice was full of disbelief. Park Yerim’s eyes also went wide.
“And apparently… he’s staying at the same hotel as Mr. Han Yujin.”
“Wow, that guy moves fast! Alright, I’m definitely going too!”
Park Yerim shouted, and this time Han Yuhyun didn’t try to stop her.
Through the glass wall, the morning sunlight poured into the room. Room service, laid out neatly on the table, consisted of a simple breakfast—scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, grilled mushrooms. There was also a tall glass of thick mango juice.
I stabbed a plump sausage with a fork and looked across at the man sitting opposite me. He was dressed so casually it was almost laughable, making me wonder if he was a genuine guest here.
‘I should’ve drafted a Seong Hyunjae appearance contract too.’
Not that I’m some kind of fortune-teller, but who would’ve expected him to pop up here? He’d even entered the room using a hotel keycard, no fuss, no noise. That meant he’d gotten my room’s keycard from the slave trader. I suppose he could’ve forcibly taken it, but he was acting way too relaxed for that.
“Did you find out about those targeting me because you’re in on it with them?”
When I asked if he was on their side, deceiving me and the rest of us, Seong Hyunjae smiled leisurely.
“Not at all. I’m merely an invited guest. They told me they’d acquired a rare item and suggested I come take a look.”
“Of all people, they invited the Sesung Guild Leader? Didn’t Haeyeon get an invitation?”
“The one invited wasn’t the Sesung Guild Leader.”
The eggs are soft.
“I’m here as a proxy.”
“A proxy for yourself, I suppose?”
Seong Hyunjae didn’t answer. His gaze lingered on the soundproofing device placed on the table before he spoke again.
“I see you brought along two S-rank hunters from overseas.”
Noah Luhir and Evelyn Miller. If he’d managed to secure them, then his influence abroad might even surpass Sesung’s standing in Korea. Perhaps the “real” Seong Hyunjae was based overseas.
I’d never paid it much mind since I didn’t care about foreign matters.
“I’ve already shown you plenty, so why don’t you reveal a few of your own cards?”
“Isn’t it enough that I’m here in person?”
“Oh, right. So you’re not a proxy after all. By the way, what did you do before awakening? I’m genuinely curious.”
Very little was known about his past. He was supposedly of Korean nationality, but his pre-awakening history was vague, and with his light-colored features, there were even rumors he might be a foreigner or of mixed descent. There was also a rumor that he was a high-level criminal pardoned because he awakened as an S-rank. Since Sesung Guild gained its footing so quickly, it was widely assumed he’d been wealthy even before awakening.
And that was just the beginning. His post-awakening achievements were even more incredible.
The world’s strongest hunter, ranked number one. The leader of Korea’s top guild. Rumors even suggested he had hidden forces abroad and was allied with both filial duty fanatics and ungrateful rebels.
It was a protagonist-worthy profile, fit for someone destined to save the world in a fictional story. Except for his personality. And maybe his age. Although there are exceptions, it’s usually the hot-blooded young ones who take the lead.
‘In reality, someone experienced, established, and capable is more likely to save the world than some kid.’
What if I hadn’t gone back in time? Maybe that remarkable guy would’ve managed to protect the dungeons and secure a century’s reprieve. Even if not, my return had instantly turned Seong Hyunjae’s five years of work into nothing.
I felt the tiniest prick of guilt.
“What would you do if I told you I’d caused you significant losses?”
“Is that a declaration of war?”
For once, his eyes gleamed with amusement. Seeing that, any lingering guilt I’d felt vanished. Saying “Sorry, my time-travel messed up your plans,” would only amuse him.
“I plan to take a three-day vacation here before heading back.”
I put my fork down on the empty plate and asked if he had any plans of his own. Hopefully, he wouldn’t obstruct my way back.
“I intend to use one of the three favors.”
Of all times, he had to bring that up now.
“What do you want me to do?”
“A honeypot.”
Why honeypot again?
“Han Yujin is an excellent bait.”
“I know. So, what are you trying to catch?”
“Not catching—cleaning up.”
“You look like someone who’s never cleaned a desk in your life.”
“In some cases, removing everything is a form of cleaning. It gets the job done just the same.”
Not exactly a traditional cleaning method. Anyway, the “extreme cleaner” wanted me to play the role of valuable merchandise to lure out the targets.
“What if I end up actually being sold off?”
“I’ll personally make sure to win the bid.”
“And then add the cost to my debt?”
“I was planning to write it off as an expense, but if you insist on repaying it—”
“Of course it’s an expense.”
I drank the rest of the mango juice, assessing the situation.
Seong Hyunjae seemed to despise the whole “trading awakeners” business. Obviously, not for some moral reason like “human trafficking is wrong.” He simply found it distasteful and wanted to wipe it out.
“Besides, simple transactions lack excitement.”
“Is fun the only guiding principle in your life? Try pursuing something more constructive.”
“I have everything else already.”
Great, good for you. How annoying.
In any case, while my reasons were different, I also supported wiping out those bastards who traded people like merchandise. It reminded me of the slave contract Yu Myungwoo had been forced into. I wonder where those bastards are now.
As bad as binding someone with a fraudulent contract is, it’s not as vile as outright kidnapping and selling people. Even if I was technically the bait in a sting operation, there’s no need to go easy on them.
“I have a more… explosive plan. Want to hear it?”
Killing two birds with one stone, and even lighting a bonfire with the nest. And being in Hong Kong was perfect for it.
Seong Hyunjae listened to my explanation and laughed heartily.
“How should I express my affection for you?”
“Affection, my foot. You’ve already confessed twice. It’s starting to get old, so try something else. Instead of just words, why don’t you actually do something?”
“The roses are burning, and the clock’s been tossed aside. What’s left now?”
“Ugh, forget it. Just give me some money for souvenirs.”
After being dragged here with nothing on me. Seong Hyunjae, still smiling, handed me a card from his wallet. The limit had better be high. What should I get for the kids?
After lounging around all day and ordering dinner through room service, I finally left the suite and headed to the lounge. The hotel staff was exceedingly attentive. From pressing the elevator button to opening the lounge doors and even pulling out my chair at the table, they left nothing for me to do.
I was enjoying tea and macarons, looking out at the city’s faded nightscape, when Gregson approached, his expression as friendly as ever. He commented on how relaxed I looked, saying I seemed more at ease than yesterday.
“The hospitality has been excellent. I do have some concerns about what lies ahead, though.”
“Wherever you go, you’ll receive the same treatment or even better, so please don’t worry.”
Chatting and laughing with the man planning to sell me off, I noticed a group of people entering the lounge. Among them was an elderly man, sheltered by his entourage, studying me intently. Another man with a hunter bodyguard also entered shortly afterward, his gaze fixed on me as well.
I guess they’re the guests. It was unpleasant, but for now, I had to play the role of a well-behaved product, so I met their eyes with a pleasant smile. Ah, I wished they’d start the cleanup already.
Once the slave trader left, these guests kept approaching me, eventually even striking up conversations. Feeling fed up, I returned to my room.
“Sigh, I miss the kids. Peace, Chirp?”
— Chirp.
…Huh? Did I just imagine that?
— Chirp.
The familiar sound of a baby bird reached my ears again. Then, a fluffy white ball scurried across the soft carpet and stopped at my feet. Its black eyes looked up at me, beak opening with a delighted chirp.
— Chirp, chirp!
…Why the heck is he here?!
–TL Notes–
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chirp. good to see u chirp.
also, i love the chemistry between hyunjae and yujin. hyunjae might be a red flag but he pulls off red quite well