[ My Person (1) ]
‘It was definitely a man’s voice.’
And it had a rough and coarse tone. I abruptly sat up from where I was lying.
‘What did he say back then… something about going to a mediocre college and ending up in debt, I think.’
So it wasn’t just about student loans. When I considered the recent call and the attempted suicide, a common conclusion came to mind.
It must have been a loan shark.
Damn, there’s no way that an S-rank production skill was kept hidden because he died, right? Even if he borrowed a lot of money, even if he didn’t pay it back—come on, killing someone isn’t that easy. At most, they’d beat him up and leave it at that.
Though, there’s always the risk of an unfortunate accident where he could end up dead or severely injured.
‘…Damn it.’
Desperate, I called Yu Myungwoo again, then the unknown man.
“Answer, you bastard!”
If it’s about money, I’ll pay it back for you, so just pick up the phone! Do you have any idea how much he’s worth? But the phone on the other side remained silent.
“Damn it, what should I do?”
I didn’t even know where he was; should I start searching for him? For a moment, I thought it might not be necessary to go that far.
Losing Yu Myungwoo would be a great loss. But to be honest, I don’t absolutely need him right now. I’ve already secured a stable foundation, and I don’t need the incentives anymore.
So even if I turn a blind eye, it’s not really a big problem. It’s not like I have to clean up after Yu Myungwoo’s mistakes.
“…If only he could get a skill, he could live a comfortable life without envy.”
I recalled the tear-streaked face, the voice lamenting that he had completely lost his value. And my own wretched past and the next five years of my future.
“Well, there’s no other choice.”
With a sigh, I picked up the phone I had tossed onto the sofa.
Everyone has probably thought about it at least once. Am I not actually special? Wouldn’t someone recognize the specialness that even I don’t know about myself and tell me? And wouldn’t my life change completely, in a positive way?
In a world where awakeners exist, that wasn’t just a mere fantasy. What if one day, I suddenly awakened as an S-rank? Or at least an A-rank. But at the same time, it was also a futile dream with an extremely low chance of coming true.
But Yu Myungwoo has me.
I’m the only person who can tell him he’s special when he’s hit rock bottom and actually make him special.
‘So what choice do I have? I know that bottom and I know that hope.’
I also had hopes, failed, and despaired. Without a single hand reaching out to help.
I pressed a number I still remembered. I was supposed to meet this guy two years later. But since he had been working three years before I got to know him and never changed his number, it should still be the same.
The phone rang, and soon, the guy answered.
[Hello, this is Hamster Detective Agency!]
A cheerful voice greeted me. He hadn’t changed even back then. But what kind of name is that for a detective agency?
“Is this Mr. Do Hamin?”
[Yes! This is Do Hamin, the director of Hamster Detective Agency.]
“I need to find someone. Is that possible?”
[Of course it is. As long as you have the name, description, and the phone number they’ve used for more than a year, we can find anyone quickly! It’s not just the number; the phone itself must have been used for more than a year for a fast investigation~.]
His playful voice was full of confidence. Yu Myungwoo’s phone definitely looked like it had been used for over a year, so it should be fine.
Do Hamin was a kind of information broker. His specialty was finding people; I didn’t know what skills he had, but if he had the person’s description and the six-digit serial number of an item they’d had for over a year, he could track their location immediately.
At first, he was just running a regular detective agency, as he was doing now. But his abilities were so exceptional that word spread, and after various troubles, he ended up becoming an information broker for hunters.
There were many hunters who bought information from Do Hamin but found him annoying. After getting involved with him, I also found it incredibly bothersome to have to change my phone, card, ID, and even hunter license every year.
[Once you transfer the money to the account I send via text, I’ll find them right away!]
Do Hamin said after receiving Yu Myungwoo’s phone number, name, and description. Oh, I haven’t gone to the bank yet.
“…Can I pay by card?”
[Sure, I’ll send you a link. There’s a 10% fee.]
What a tax evader. After paying, I quickly received a text with Yu Myungwoo’s current location. See? He’s fast.
‘Now, what should I do?’
The place where Yu Myungwoo was located was a scrapyard called ‘Hope Resources.’ I doubt he went there to sell his phone, but it seems like a shady place.
‘There wouldn’t be a D-rank or higher awakener running a money-lending business at a scrapyard, right?’
If they’re low-level, even a D-rank can be dealt with using gear. I got up from the sofa. The opponent is likely a regular person, so it would be better if I handled it.
The problem is, if I go alone, Yuhyun might throw a fit.
‘Taking Yerim with me would be a bit too much.’
I can’t show the kid back-to-back immoral scenes, especially since I’m supposed to be her guardian.
I stepped outside and made my way to the lobby of the building. Despite it being the weekend, there were quite a few people passing by the entrance. I called Kim Seonghan.
[What’s going on?]
“I’m just stepping out for a bit and thought I should let you know. You don’t have to come out if you’re busy. I’m already in the lobby. There are plenty of taxis out front, so I don’t think anything will happen. Yuhyun might get mad, but—”
The line went dead with a click. How long will it take for him to get here? If he tries to drag me back in, I’ll just have to shout since there are plenty of witnesses around.
It wasn’t long before I heard the heavy footsteps of someone approaching.
“Han Yujin.”
I turned around with a big smile at the sound of a voice trying to suppress its anger. Don’t shoot the messenger; it’s not like I’m going to get hurt.
“You got here quickly. I’m fine on my own, so I’m really sorry for bothering you.”
It’s all because of that nitpicky brat, Yuhyun, who you’re so loyal to, so don’t blame me.
Kim Seonghan sighed deeply and turned around.
“Follow me.”
“Where to?”
“The parking lot, of course.”
Oh? This is unexpected. I was sure he’d have something to say, but he’s being awfully cooperative. As I followed him with some distance, just in case, he headed straight to the parking lot without even looking back. Hmm, this is convenient but also suspicious.
“Where are we headed?”
He asked as he opened the car door. After seeing the treatment at the A-rank dorms, I feel a bit bad making him drive me around.
“Hope Resources in Myeonmok-dong.”
I’ll get my driver’s license soon, so I’m counting on you for a little longer.
Hope Resources was a shabby, two-story building located in a secluded area. The walls showed signs of aging, and the newly installed, clean sign looked out of place.
“Are you sure you want to go in alone?”
Seeing me take out leather gloves and put them on before getting out of the car, Kim Seonghan asked.
“It’s probably just regular people inside, so it’s better if I go alone. If they start nitpicking, it’ll be a hassle, so please wait in the car.”
There’s a good chance someone might recognize Kim Seonghan’s face. And I intend to resolve this peacefully if I can.
As I approached the building entrance, I tried calling Yu Myungwoo again. He didn’t answer, and I didn’t hear any ringing from inside. It could be on silent, though.
‘He’s probably in the basement or on the second floor.’
The glass door was covered with a large white film with “Hope Resources” written on it, making it impossible to see inside. Although I said I didn’t need help, it wouldn’t hurt to have a safety measure just in case.
The door was locked, so I pressed the bell next to it. It was suspicious that they had the door locked and an intercom with a camera installed, even though it was a shop.
[We’re closed.]
It took two more rings before a gruff voice answered. I quickly replied before they could hang up.
“I’m here to pay off a debt!”
Who would refuse someone who says they’re here to pay money? Sure enough, I heard footsteps approaching, and the door was unlocked.
“Haven’t had anyone willingly come to pay in a while.”
A large man opened the door and muttered. As I suspected, they were loan sharks. And… it seems I was a bit off in my estimation.
Nothing too problematic, though. I plastered on a harmless smile as I walked inside. The first floor was surprisingly clean for a scrapyard.
“Follow me.”
The man led the way toward the stairs.
“Is it on the second floor?”
I asked loudly on purpose as I followed him up. At the top, there was a sturdy-looking metal door that didn’t match the interior. When the door opened, a seemingly ordinary reception room was revealed.
Along with the guy who had come up with me, there were F, F, F, E, and D-ranks. And on the sofa, forcing a smile, was Yu Myungwoo.
“Oh? Myungwoo.”
Wow, what a place to meet. As I acknowledged him, everyone, including Yu Myungwoo, turned to look at me.
“…Han Yujin?”
“What, you guys know each other?”
The D-rank, who was sitting on the sofa opposite Yu Myungwoo, asked.
“We were childhood friends and met again a few days ago at the Hunter Association.”
“Association? You a hunter too?”
“Yes. Though I’m just an F-rank.”
“FF?”
“FE. Fortunately, that qualifies me as a hunter.”
At my words, the D-rank smiled, pretending to be friendly. Then two of the F-ranks approached and started talking to me as if we were close.
“Wow, you’ve got a bright future ahead of you. Your name is Han Yujin? We were just introducing your friend to a profitable and easy job. Why don’t you join us?”
“A job?”
“Yeah. Your friend already signed the contract.”
You signed already? Are these bastards trying to snatch away what I’ve worked so hard to secure? It’s really pissing me off.
If it’s a regular contract, it’s fine, but if it’s a hunter-specific, especially an illegal one, it’ll be a hassle. I’ll need to take a close look before making a move.
“May I hear more about it?”
“Of course! Have a seat.”
Thinking they’ve snagged an easy mark, they even offered me coffee. Though it’s just instant in a paper cup.
When I sat next to him, Yu Myungwoo glanced at me nervously. He wanted to say something but was too scared to open his mouth. Just stay put and calm down.
“So, when did you awaken?”
The D-rank asked.
“On Friday. It hasn’t been long.”
“Then you probably don’t know much yet. This hunter world isn’t as easy as it seems. It’s tough to even get into a party as an F-rank, and joining a guild is nearly impossible.”
“Really? But I heard that hunters make good money…”
“You need to be at least an E-rank to make decent money. F-ranks rarely get invited to parties.”
I put on a face that said I’d never heard of such a thing and let out a deep sigh.
“I was so happy just to qualify as a hunter, but I guess I was getting ahead of myself.”
“Haha, nothing in life is that easy. But don’t worry. I’ll make an exception! I’ll let you join our guild.”
“A guild?”
“Yeah, a guild! I’m going to let you join the Hope Resources guild. Our guild leader is a C-rank, and I’m the vice leader, a D-rank.”
“Wow, you’re a D-rank? Are these guys hunters too?”
“Of course. Hey, bring the contract over.”
One of the F-ranks brought over a contract and placed it on the table. It was a regular contract, thankfully.
“The conditions are simple. Instead of those worthless F-rank dungeons, we’ll take you into a D-rank dungeon. Of course, our guild’s combat hunters will handle all the monsters, and you and your friend will just need to collect the byproducts. It’s an easy job that pays well!”
“Oh, I see.”
So, this is a mining contract.
There are dungeons known as collection-type. These are environments where valuable plants or animals thrive, or where minerals can be mined.
However, since the magic stones from monsters and rewards are far more valuable than byproducts, hunters with the skills usually avoid focusing on collection activities. However, even low-level, under-equipped F-ranks could make a decent amount by collecting and selling items, but those that are really worth it are only found in D-rank dungeons and above.
That’s where these scumbag guilds come in, shoving F-rank ‘miners’ into D-rank collection-type dungeons. The official guild members hunt while the miners gather byproducts. The miners, being low-level, under-equipped F-ranks, often get injured or killed by monsters the guild hunters failed to deal with. Naturally, there’s no compensation for that, and the guild takes 70 to 80% of the byproducts as fees for protection and the use of equipment.
“See this? If you join our guild, you’ll be heading straight into a D-rank dungeon with D-rank hunters! All you have to do is pick up valuable stuff! It’s a piece of cake. It might seem like you’re only getting 20%, but considering the guild covers the dungeon bidding fee and the D-rank hunters’ equipment, it’s really not a bad deal at all!”
“So, all I have to do is pick things up?”
“Exactly, exactly. Just stamp your seal right here. Your fingerprint will do, too.”
I made a face that said I was seriously considering it and set down the contract I was holding.
“Can I just check one more thing?”
“Ask away.”
“The conditions look good, but just in case, I’d like to compare it with Myungwoo’s contract. Mine might have lower terms. You know how the first person usually gets better conditions.”
The D-rank laughed loudly at my words.
“Hey, this guy’s thorough! Sure, no problem! Take all the time you need to check and sign.”
These idiots just revealed someone else’s contract so easily. The F-rank brought over Yu Myungwoo’s contract from the safe. This one was also a regular paper contract. Judging by how things looked, they didn’t bother recording or filming anything. Alright, there’s nothing holding me back now.
I took Yu Myungwoo’s contract, and without hesitation, tore it down the middle.
–TL Notes–
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