Chapter 214: Trip to Japan (2)
“About the Artemis Guild.”
Yerim, who was fixing her tousled hair before disembarking from the plane, spoke up.
“It’s Amaterasu.”
“Whatever. That place. Why did they name it after a foreign god? And it’s not even a well-known one. There are plenty of famous gods like Zeus, Athena, Apollo, Odin, or Thor.”
“Those famous gods are probably already taken. Don’t bring it up unnecessarily. If you don’t know much about something, staying quiet is the best approach.”
Naming a guild was up to the guild leader. And for international relations, English-style names like that weren’t a bad idea.
“Amaterasu is a Japanese god,” said the guide standing nearby.
A Japanese god? Why did the name sound so Greek, then? I had assumed it was from Greek mythology. Yerim also looked surprised.
“Amaterasu is the sun goddess said to be the ancestor of the Japanese imperial family. For a while, people criticized the guild for being arrogant because of the name, but…”
The guide lowered his voice slightly.
“Now, the Amaterasu Guild is practically the ruling power in Japan. Officially, they protect Japan and the imperial family, but neither the emperor nor the prime minister can say a word in front of the guild leader.”
Well then. Definitely a good call to come here as a group. Even though Japan’s government was still functioning properly, you never knew what might happen. With this many S-Class Hunters, they wouldn’t dare try anything reckless.
“Also, the Amaterasu Guild leader’s real name is kept secret. He calls himself Shishio, though… ahem.”
The guide looked somewhat embarrassed as he explained. What did the name even mean? Translation items were excellent at conveying meaning, but they didn’t translate proper nouns like names or place names. I sometimes wondered how they worked.
“Hyung, just a moment.”
Yuhyun called me and led me to a sleeping room. Once the door was closed, the walls blocked all sound and visibility.
“I trust you, I really do. But since we’re overseas, we need to be even more careful.”
“Don’t worry. I’ve already said it a bunch of times—I won’t go anywhere alone. I’ll keep Peace and Belare with me as much as possible.”
There could be items out there that could disguise appearances, like Myungwoo’s glasses, so I planned to stay close to Peace and Belare. With an S-Class monster and an A-Class poison skill, it wouldn’t be a problem unless several S-Class Hunters attacked simultaneously.
“And don’t let anyone catch on to your skills. Especially that one… the one you share. I’ve told you before—it’s seriously dangerous.”
He was talking about the skill that doubled the effect of offensive skills.
“I know. I won’t mention it or even use it unless it’s with someone I completely trust.”
“Me and the Sesung Guild Leader are exceptions. Noah, being a support-type Hunter, didn’t fully grasp its potential, so it’s fine with him too. And Chief Song is a special case. But other Hunters… not a chance.”
Yuhyun’s tone was grave.
“If someone is already among the strongest, they might be able to restrain themselves. But anyone less powerful, especially combat-type Hunters who are stuck in the middle tier, would find your skill irresistible. It’s a shortcut to becoming the best overnight.”
So, it would be even more tempting to those just below the top tier. That made sense. People who narrowly missed gold medals would likely be more desperate to improve than those already at the top.
“I get it. Even thinking about it simply, it’s the kind of skill that would drive people mad.”
No matter how you applied it, it was powerful. If, for instance, my skill boosted exam scores instead of combat ability… yeah, that’s a little terrifying. A mediocre student could suddenly ace the college entrance exam with a perfect score. Honestly, I’d love to use it on Yerim. She’s already an S-Class Hunter—imagine if she aced her exams too. Yuhyun, there’s still time. Let’s sign you up for the college entrance exam.
“I’ll be careful. Seriously.”
Isn’t there some way to separate the skill and turn it into an item? That would be ideal.
“We’re ready!”
Someone from the Japanese Hunter Association, speaking in Korean, addressed us after receiving a message through his radio. I picked up Peace and gently placed Chirp on top of Peace instead of my head.
‘This feels like an S-Class Hunter parade.’
It had been embarrassing enough leaving Korea, and it was even worse now. Everyone around me sparkled so brightly that I wondered if I even belonged here. …Should I put on some sunglasses or something?
“Mister, over here!”
Yerim waved at me. You’re the star here; you’re standing way too far in front. Still, it might be better to stand between Yerim and Moon Hyunah.
‘Anywhere but near Seong Hyunjae.’
The height difference alone was too much. Unfortunately, my eyes wandered, and I accidentally locked gazes with him. I almost looked away out of reflex, but this time, I held his gaze. If I don’t measure up, then stop paying attention to me.
After a brief moment, I casually shifted my gaze.
Myungwoo and Noah were just as intimidating. Both of them looked annoyingly tall and handsome. Could I just pretend to be an attendant and stay at the back? I’d blend in better that way.
“Mister, what are you doing?”
Impatient, Yerim came over and dragged me to the front. I had no choice but to follow her. I was about to call for Moon Hyunah, but Yuhyun stepped up next to me first.
Well… I had expected that.
The airplane door opened, and a red-carpeted staircase was revealed. Yerim took the lead, and I followed close behind.
‘…What is that?’
As soon as we stepped off the plane, the first thing that caught my eye was the long line of uniformed individuals standing in formation. Their uniforms were a mix of white and red, with some kind of emblem on one side of their chests. It resembled a Western noble family’s crest—was that a lion?
More importantly, what is this? I suddenly wanted to turn around and go right back into the plane.
“They even prepared a welcoming ceremony?”
Yerim looked entertained. She bounced lightly down the steps, waving her hand. The presence of broadcasting cameras filming us made my face stiffen. Both Korea and Japan were airing this live.
A short distance from the plane, a massive man stood with a group of attendants. That must be the Amaterasu Guild Leader.
He looked even bigger in person than he had on TV. His sharp, chiseled features and wild, golden hair didn’t make him look Japanese—or even Asian, for that matter. It was probably dyed. He had red hair when he appeared in the ranking battle.
The Amaterasu Guild Leader was also in uniform. The basic design was similar to those worn by the people lined up, but his was far more elaborate… Is this seriously a guild uniform? Custom uniforms weren’t unheard of, but… well, it wasn’t common in Korea. Especially not ceremonial ones like this.
The most common “guild uniform” back home was matching pajamas. Small guilds could easily afford them, and if they had the budget, they could even make them from dungeon materials—practical, easy to store, and highly functional.
“Welcome to Japan!”
“Hunter Park Yerim, welcome to Japan!”
A group of teenagers, all strikingly good-looking and seemingly handpicked, greeted us with bright smiles. Yerim acknowledged them one by one, but with so many S-Class Awakened gathered, the kids couldn’t help but look a little intimidated—there was a hint of fear in their expressions.
Why would they send non-Awakened kids this close? If they wanted a welcoming gesture, they could’ve just had them stand at a distance and clap. Unless they were using some kind of skill or item, even if we suppressed our presence as much as possible, there would still be an overwhelming effect.
Once the teenagers stepped back, the Amaterasu Guild Leader approached. They had said he was practically Japan’s ruler—his entire aura radiated arrogance. Yerim lifted her chin and met his gaze.
“I am Shishio, Guild Leader of Amaterasu, Japan’s premier guild. Hunter Park Yerim, it is a pleasure to meet you.”
“Ah, hello.”
Yerim greeted him like she had just run into some random old guy from the neighborhood. Yerim, introduce yourself properly.
“…Introduce yourself,” I whispered. She blinked in realization and quickly corrected herself.
“I am Park Yerim, an S-Class Hunter from Korea’s Haeyeon Guild. Thank you for the warm welcome.”
The Amaterasu Guild Leader then turned his gaze to me. He flashed a bright smile, revealing his teeth, but his eyes lingered on Peace in my arms.
“I am Han Yujin, Director of Korea’s Monster Breeding Facility. Thank you for the hospitality.”
“I’ve heard a lot about you, Director Han. It’s truly a pleasure to meet you. That beast in your arms—is that the famous Flame Horned Lion?”
“Yes, this is Peace.”
Without hesitation, the Amaterasu Guild Leader reached out his hand. Immediately, Peace bared his fangs.
— Grrrr.
He let out a low, warning growl. But rather than being offended, Shishio’s grin widened even more.
“A fiercely loyal lion. I like that. It seems Haeyeon Guild has yet to acquire a second Flame Horned Lion cub.”
“Baby monsters are rare, after all.”
The dungeon where Flame Horned Lions appeared as bosses had been cleared twice more since then. But no additional cubs had been found. If they were that easy to obtain, Korea’s breeding facility would be overflowing with top-tier baby monsters by now.
So far, after Peace, Comet was the only other highest-grade baby monster in Korea. No high-grade ones had even been captured yet. Lower-grade ones were relatively common, but at that level, it was more efficient to tame adults rather than raise cubs.
“I’ve requested cooperation from Haeyeon Guild multiple times to acquire a Flame Horned Lion, but they have yet to give me a favorable response. Quite disappointing.”
Saying this, Shishio turned his gaze to Yuhyun.
“You appear even younger in person, Guild Leader Han.”
“If you want cooperation, present proper terms.”
The atmosphere between them immediately turned cold. Don’t start a fight as soon as we arrive. Yerim, stop looking excited. Hyunah, don’t laugh. Fortunately, the Amaterasu Guild Leader was the first to step back.
“I even offered a gift, yet you remain difficult. I believe I’ve shown enough sincerity—perhaps you should reconsider.”
So the Thunderbird’s Mantle was part of that? That was irritating. He had only gotten it thanks to the Slime Dungeon, and now he was trying to use it to bargain for a top-tier monster? If he was serious, he should’ve offered something more.
Moon Hyunah and Noah also exchanged greetings with Shishio. Apparently, Moon Hyunah had met him once before during a previous visit to Japan.
And then there was Noah.
“You may contact me at any time. I promise you the best possible treatment.”
Shishio handed over a shimmering business card. Noah hesitated but accepted it. Similar words were exchanged with Myungwoo as well. Shishio handed him a card and spoke in an overly friendly tone, saying that if he needed any materials, he should ask for anything.
“I firmly believe that you’ll soon be crafting SS-Class weapons.”
He was even being unusually polite. For someone like him to bow his head, it really showed how incredible Myungwoo was. Once an SS-Class weapon was completed, S-Class Hunters worldwide would go crazy for it. And since there was even the possibility of something beyond that, it was smart to get on his good side early.
Finally, it was Seong Hyunjae’s turn. A brief silence hung between the two before the Amaterasu Guild Leader spoke first.
“It’s been a while, Sesung Guild Leader.”
“You seem to have been living quite comfortably, Amaterasu Guild Leader.”
That was all. Without further words, the Amaterasu Guild Leader turned away, saying he would escort us to the hotel.
As we walked along the path, a massive crowd came into view beyond the fence.
At the same time, a deafening cheer erupted.
“Hunter Han Yuhyun!”
“Hunter Park Yerim!”
“Sesung Guild Leader!”
Those three names were the most frequently shouted, though I could hear Noah’s and Moon Hyunah’s names mixed in as well. Even Peace’s name was being called. Some people weren’t just shouting—they were crying. What is this? I had heard they were popular, but they weren’t actual celebrities. Did the Amaterasu Guild pay people to be here? But no, they looked genuinely enthusiastic.
Banners waved, and fake Peace plushies were held high. With so much noise and commotion, it was hard to make out individual words.
‘…What is that?’
There were photos. Some were just faces, while others were life-size half-body cutouts. Oh, come on. I had seen celebrities in full-scale street advertisements before, but now, there were familiar faces. Wait—there’s one of me too. No, no, hold on. And those aren’t monster plushies—those are people. That’s Yuhyun, right? In a school uniform? Yerim too—also in a school uniform, with two different versions being waved around.
…Okay, I kind of wanted one.
While I was dying of embarrassment, we got into the car and headed to the hotel. Tokyo had suffered heavy damage due to multiple dungeon breaks in the early days. The hotel we were staying at had been built after the Dungeon Shock and had only recently been completed—it was owned by the Amaterasu Guild.
Near the hotel, access was restricted, making it much quieter than the airport and the roads leading here. That part was nice, at least.
“Mister, take a photo of me!”
Yerim beamed as she stood next to my life-size cutout.
What the hell—why did they put that there? I wanted to go home. I needed a skill to resist embarrassment. The fact that other people were around made it even worse.
“…Yerim.”
“Should we ask if we can take it with us when we leave?”
No, please don’t.
Instead of me, Moon Hyunah took a picture of Yerim. The broadcasting cameras were still here. This was way too humiliating. Am I the only one embarrassed? Why was everyone else casually taking pictures? Yuhyun—why you too?
Moon Hyunah grinned and flipped off Seong Hyunjae’s cutout, while Noah and Myungwoo took commemorative photos as well. Even Seong Hyunjae joined in.
…I kind of wanted to take a picture with the Peace one, at least. Yuhyun and Yerim’s were nice, too. Noah and Myungwoo looked great, of course. Moon Hyunah and even Seong Hyunjae—everyone else looked fine. I just wanted to exclude my own.
“You are free to use all hotel facilities as you please. Please choose any room that suits you.”
A hotel staff member greeted us politely.
Just before we entered the lobby, the Amaterasu Guild Leader stopped me.
“I’d love to see the full-grown form of the Flame Horned Lion. For the sake of the Japanese people, of course. They’re eagerly looking forward to it.”
He gestured toward the cameras as he spoke.
It’s not the people—it’s you who wants to see it.
It was such a minor request that it felt petty to refuse. As I hesitated, Yuhyun, standing beside me, spoke quietly.
“Peace.”
At his call, Peace leaped from my arms.
In an instant, his small form expanded. His red fur flared out, shining brilliantly. His single sharp horn stood proud, and his thick mane darkened toward a rich golden hue at the tips. He had grown larger since his first transformation, his fur now even glossier.
The massive beast, embodying the essence of fire itself, let out a low growl.
The Amaterasu Guild Leader grinned so wide it looked like his face might split.
“Magnificent! Absolutely incredible!”
His entire expression was filled with raw greed. His gaze was so blatant that I almost worried he’d try to snatch Peace away on the spot. With our numbers, it wouldn’t be an issue, but it was still unsettling.
After stretching his body once, Peace returned to his smaller form and jumped back into my arms. The Amaterasu Guild Leader, who had been unable to take his eyes off Peace, now shifted his gaze to Yuhyun.
“The proof of contract follows its owner, does it not? The Slime Dungeon was a good match, but it might have been interesting to wager a monster instead.”
“If you want a fight, I won’t refuse.”
Yuhyun responded icily, then turned, guiding me toward the hotel.
“Wagering Peace would be unpleasant to watch and could set a bad precedent. If we’re going to do this, they should offer the Flame Horned Lion Dungeon or a baby monster as collateral.”
Yuhyun’s eyes widened for a brief moment before he broke into a smile.
As if you’d lose to someone like that. Do whatever you want.
–TL Notes–
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