Chapter 37

“China? Don’t tell me there’s been a coup?”

“> No, nothing like that.”

It was obvious that China was in crisis.

Two S-rank gates within their borders, two more in neighboring countries, and S-rank gates in Mongolia and Russia as well.

I thought maybe Hunters had staged a coup, but that wasn’t it.

“> China’s government has a strong hold over their Hunters.”

“That’s true.”

After the appearance of Hunters and gates, China did whatever it took to maintain its dictatorship.

While other countries lent weapons to newly awakened Hunters and simply registered them, China was different.

“All awakeners have to sign a soul collateral contract before entering the Tower.”

They even monitored the internet to catch anyone searching for Hunter weapons.

Of course, they treated Hunters well.

Those who became powerful were granted ranks as Communist Party cadres, ensuring wealth and power.

“> Then what’s strange about it?”

“> It’s too quiet.”

“> Huh?”

“> Exactly. This is clearly an emergency, but instead of requesting support, they’re just dealing with the breaks on their own.”

“…Do they think they can handle it alone?”

“> Who knows what they’re thinking. But even America is asking for support. There’s no way China thinks they can handle this alone.”

“That’s true.”

It was obvious even to outsiders that China was struggling.

Especially in a global emergency like this, rapid support requests were critical – yet China did nothing.

Even America, with only one S-rank gate, had asked for help.

“> In any case, it’s clear they’re preparing something. Be careful, Namjoong-nim.”

“> Me? Why?”

“> China is probably targeting you. Whether it’s V or Midas, they’re talents China would want to steal.”

“> Hmm, I’ll be careful.”

“> If you ever need money, let us know. We’ll give you as much as possible. If we can’t match China in money, we’ll offer power.”

“> Come on, do you really think I’d move to China? I’m the most safety-oriented person you’ll ever meet.”

I had no intention of moving to China.

It wasn’t about patriotism. I was territorial by nature. I didn’t even like leaving my neighborhood.

Han Sunwoo smiled softly.

“> In that case, you can just say you need a little more money.”

“> Well, I can get money from the whole world now. Unless Korea gets greedy later.”

There’s that saying, after all.

“When the rabbit is caught, the hunting dog is boiled.”

I didn’t think I’d become useless soon, but still.

Then Han Sunwoo’s next words froze me.

“> Don’t worry. No one would be as reckless as Assemblyman Kim Seokmyung.”

“…Didn’t he die to a monster?”

That came out of nowhere.

But I couldn’t say the truth myself.

Even if I wasn’t the one who killed him, Lee Woo-jae and I were tied together in fate.

I averted my eyes and muttered, and Han Sunwoo chuckled.

“> You don’t need to hide it. There’s no evidence, and even if there was, no one would dare bring it up.”

“> No, I really didn’t kill him!”

It was Woo-jae!

“> Hmm, sure.”

Seriously!

It was so frustrating.

Luckily, the topic quickly shifted.

“> Anyway, if you need anything, tell us. The Association will support you however we can.”

“> That’s reassuring.”

“> Though no matter how reassuring, we can’t match China or the US.”

“> Don’t worry. I have no plans to immigrate. I don’t even want to risk my life in S-rank gates unnecessarily.”

“> I can’t tell you how relieved that makes me.”

“> Speaking of which, how’s America doing? You haven’t mentioned them.”

“> Oh, you haven’t heard yet. That’s good.”

“> …Heard what?”

Han Sunwoo began to explain.

“> America is stably handling their breaks. Next to Korea, they’re doing the best. They’re now recruiting allies to clear their S-rank gate.”

“> But the only possible ally is Korea, right? Other major countries already have their own S-rank gates.”

“> Exactly. They’re basically only reaching out to Korea. Especially to you, Namjoong-nim.”

“> Me?”

Why me all of a sudden?

Han Sunwoo nodded.

“> Yes. They’re pressuring politically to force V and Midas to participate in the gate raid. Of course, Korea isn’t obliged to comply. Whether you participate or not is your choice.”

“> I see.”

“> They probably want to bring you to America to recruit you. They’ll make you a hero, guarantee your honor, shower you with money and power – anything you want.”

Of course.

Adding just one S-rank Hunter changed a country’s national power.

But Korea had V, stronger than an S-rank Hunter, and Midas, who could create countless S-rank Hunters.

Any country would want them.

I didn’t think they’d be so blatant about it, though.

It just showed how bold the current US President was.

“> So that’s why you’re worried. China is quiet, while America is openly trying to recruit me.”

“> Yes. Honestly, if you moved to America, you could live with far more than you have now.”

“> Hmm…”

“> If you ever do go, please remain friendly to Korea.”

“> I told you, I’m not going anywhere. I just want to live comfortably.”

“> Yet you keep selling items in the Tower store…”

“> Well, nothing wrong with having money, right?”

It was true.

Working under someone else versus working for yourself were completely different.

Even if the former earned more, the moment you were forced to work, you became a rich slave.

I much preferred my current position.

“> Anyway, I’m not immigrating, so don’t worry. So is Korea going to help Japan next?”

“> No, first we’ll deal with the monsters flooding from North Korea. Japan can wait.”

“> That’s definitely the better choice.”

Many people would die, but I had no right to interfere with state decisions.

Naturally, a nation prioritized its own citizens.

And Korea had no reason to help Japan right now.

“> Anyway, if you need anything, let us know. Then, I’ll take my leave…”

“> Oh, wait. There’s something I’d like to ask.”

“> Anything. I can even share politicians’ dirty secrets if needed.”

“…Seriously?”

“> That’s not a joke.”

“> Tempting, but no. Here’s what I need.”

I pointed to Chris, who was watching YouTube.

“> I want to educate him. Please gather Korea’s top professors in engineering, mana circuits, and science to teach him.”

“> …That child? Will he understand university-level theory?”

“> Woo-jae called him a once-in-history genius. He’ll understand.”

“> Who is he… someone you knew before?”

“> No, I brought him from the Tower.”

Han Sunwoo’s eyes widened in shock.

“> …Is that possible?”

“> Only I can do it. Please keep it secret from everyone except the Association President.”

“> Of course. Even without asking, we would.”

“> So, can you arrange the professors?”

“> Absolutely. He’ll understand Korean, right?”

“> Of course.”

For some reason, people from the Tower could always communicate here.

Chris understood Korean perfectly.

He probably knew English and Chinese too.

“> Also, we’ll be building a new weapon. Please acquire any materials and tools Chris requests.”

“> A new weapon…?”

“> A gun.”

“> But we already have mana guns.”

“> You’ll see. It’s not worth explaining before it’s built.”

“> Understood. I’ll inform the President.”

“> Thanks. And keep getting me elixirs as they come in. That’s all for now.”

“> Of course. It’s difficult right now, but as soon as we can, we’ll get them to you. Then…”

I wondered how much those materials would cost.

Probably an astronomical amount my past self couldn’t even imagine.

But still.

‘Tsk, America would be better for this.’

Korean professors were excellent, but America gathered the world’s top geniuses.

Their technology was far ahead, and so were their materials and tools.

‘I’ll have to negotiate with America eventually.’

I didn’t know when, but someday I wanted Chris to study under US professors too.

And I wanted my gun made with the best tech and materials.

But now wasn’t the time.

America was coming on too strong.

Maybe after Chris completed pre-learning from Korean professors.

Besides, with his genius, he might not even need America’s help.

And getting their help came with burdens.

“Immigrate there? Why would I?”

I was treated well enough in Korea.

If I accepted American help, I’d have to repay them somehow – and they always demanded more back than they gave.

Better to relax with Chris and Myangmyang for now.

“Ah~ so comfortable.”

My body wasn’t tired, but mentally I was exhausted.

I’d received insane information about Towers and systems, and even had votes conducted based on my actions.

I’d expected it, but my heart still raced.

Listening to the engineering YouTube videos Chris watched as background music, I drifted off to sleep.

“> We have arrived in Korea.”

– Proceed as discreetly as possible. The future of the Party rests on this.

“> But how will we identify Midas and V among these people?”

– We don’t know. Just capture them all.

“> All eleven of them?”

– Yes. All of them. If anyone resists with A-rank strength or higher, that’s your target. Capture them all alive.

“> Tsk, understood.”

– Don’t tell me five S-rank Hunters can’t capture two people?

“> I said I understand! We’ll begin immediately.”

Click –

Silence fell over the dark alley as the radio cut off.

The man who had been speaking let out a string of curses.

“Fuck! Do they even know how hard it is to capture someone alive?”

Tsk!

That was the problem with Communist Party desk jockeys.

They thought it was easy just because they weren’t the ones doing it.

If not for his soul collateral contract, he’d have told them off.

But there was no time for that now.

Five shapes appeared as their special transparent cloaks were deactivated.

“> Begin the mission.”

The four behind him nodded silently and moved out.