Chapter 29

Chapter 29
## Chapter 29: Aftershocks of the Solo Grade 2 Conquest

The report that Yoo Chan-seok had effectively neutralized the Grade 2 Erosion Core on Daemado rippled instantly through the upper echelons of the global community.

International boundaries mattered little—the heads of Hunter Associations across the globe were notified of Yoo Chan-seok’s feat of dismantling a Grade 2 Erosion Core entirely on his own. The Partner Hunters representing the fifteen most prestigious Hunter corporations in the world were equally stunned by the update.

“Verify these details immediately. Toppling a Grade 3 alone is one thing, but a Grade 2 solo clear is a seismic shift! I want every bit of data we can dig up on this individual!”

“Who exactly is this person?!”

An immense gap exists between Grade 3 and Grade 2. Similarly, the chasm between Grade 2 and Grade 1 is just as daunting.

Under normal circumstances, a Grade 2 Erosion Core necessitates the mobilization of at least two or three specialized squads, each commanded by a Partner Hunter from a significant firm.

A man with a deeply creased forehead slid the dossier on Yoo Chan-seok toward his company’s lead Partner Hunter and voiced his thoughts.

“The Erosion Core at Daemado was only classified as Grade 2 quite recently.”

“And your point is? Do you believe you could replicate that solo? The Daemado site is a solo dominion variant!”

There are no secondary threats there. The entirety of Daemado is under the singular thumb of one core. Even if it had only just transitioned to Grade 2, its lethality was beyond question.

While various firms and organizations were scrambling in the wake of Yoo Chan-seok’s achievement, Lee Se-eun sat within the military housing at Cheolwon. She was busy whisking a dark tea, heavy with creamy milk and plenty of sugar.

“How was my performance? Pretty impressive, wouldn’t you say?”

—You did a fine job.

Lee Se-eun was speaking with Kang Hoon, the 1st Team Leader and a Partner Hunter at Zanabi.

“That path was a dead end from the very beginning anyway.”

—True, at that stage, cutting ties and retreating was the most logical decision.

Lee Se-eun took a mouthful of her overly sweet tea and rose to her feet.

“Director, how many organizations are currently sniffing around?”

—Every firm whose brand you can recall is on the prowl. Among the major players, Embargo Tower and Sandra & Gupta are pursuing him with the most intensity.

Lee Se-eun raised an eyebrow as she listened.

“Wait, Embargo Tower? That’s actually startling. Those recluses rarely step into the light.”

Though it was an American enterprise, its central operations were tucked away in Dalseong-gun, Daegu. Their portfolio included high-level data protection, encryption, massive data analytics, and the creation of vaccines—essentially the full spectrum of ICT industries.

The general public knew little of them, but they were highly coveted by other corporations for their technical mastery, giving them a legendary status among the elite.

—The two firms I mentioned seem focused on recruiting him for a specific mission. The others are merely weighing his potential as a brand asset.

Essentially, they viewed him as a potential spokesperson or celebrity figure.

“The press is going to lose their minds then.”

—The journey back from Daemado is already a complete circus.

Lee Se-eun made a clicking sound with her tongue.

“Yoon Sung-hyun must be in a massive bind right now.”

—No doubt about it.

He had intended to bring the man on as a Junior under his command after making initial contact, but then the guy travels south for a moment and solos a Grade 2 Erosion Core.

“Yoo Chan-seok has clearly bypassed the Junior stage. Unless someone offers him the rank of Partner Hunter, a talent of that scale simply can’t be contained.”

The proof was undeniable. If you mishandled a situation like this, it would be the equivalent of a local hobbyist soccer coach trying to bench a world-class superstar like Son Heung-min. Yoon Sung-hyun? He didn’t stand a chance.

—Lee Se-eun, be honest with me. What if you were in his shoes?

“Me? Oh, I see where this is going.”

The inquiry was whether she possessed the capability to solo a Grade 2. Squinting at her tea, Lee Se-eun gave her answer.

“Keep in mind, Director, I’ve held the tenth spot on that prestigious ranking for two consecutive years.”

For a Hunter of Lee Se-eun’s caliber, taking down a Grade 2 solo was a simple task.

“There’s no way the boss couldn’t do it either, right? You’re ranked slightly above me.”

—That stings. You’re comparing me to a newcomer who’s barely started his career as a Hunter.

Yoo Chan-seok was simply an anomaly.

—Regardless, make contact soon. I’ll reach out to Embargo Tower, get the specifics on their commission, and work out the logistics regarding compensation and terms.

“Are we looking at a partnership?”

Kang Hoon’s voice came through clearly.

—If the terms are favorable. We’ll talk to Embargo Tower first, then suggest a joint operation.

“You’ve certainly become a big player.”

Zanabi suggesting a collaboration with a freelancer? It was unheard of, an exception to every rule—words couldn’t quite capture the magnitude of such a move.

“The head of Embargo Tower is Melvin Vega, right? Haggling with that cunning fox won’t be pleasant. You’re going to have a rough time, boss.”

—Yeah, I just hope dealing with that slimy character yields results.

◇◇◇◆◇◇◇

I blinked my eyes open to find the night sky above me. My mind felt clouded and heavy.

“You’re finally waking up.”

It was the voice of Han Sang-ah. The dark expanse of the night dominated my vision. My mangled shoulder had been stabilized with a makeshift sling and secured with rigid supports, while my injuries were packed tight with medical dressings and pressure bandages.

“That tourniquet… it’s agonizing.”

It wasn’t the sort of pain that allowed for light conversation. It was a pulsing, nauseating thrum.

“Pain is part of the process.”

“I’m aware.”

The tourniquet even had the precise time of application marked on it. She had done everything humanly possible given the circumstances.

“I’ve signaled the Association for a medical extraction. A chopper is on its way.”

I gave a small nod of understanding.

“By the way. I retrieved a blade. It’s yours now.”

The five-minute window Han Sang-ah secured with her Taekwon Piercing was worth its weight in gold. Furthermore, since I had consumed pharmaceuticals that cost as much as a luxury high-rise, receiving a single sword in return felt like a steal.

Han Sang-ah inspected the weapon resting beside me and gave a response.

“It’s an excellent blade. I appreciate it. My previous one was shattered anyway.”

Following her word of thanks, she poured some heated water from a portable burner into a container and prepared some tea.

“You’re remarkably composed.”

“I’ve already done everything I can. Panicking now won’t change the outcome.”

She was right; being restless wouldn’t speed up my recovery. My phone began to vibrate.

“Pass it to me.”

Han Sang-ah handed the device over.

—Is this Hunter Yoo Chan-seok?

It was the President of the Japanese Hunter Association.

“The task is finished. I fulfilled my end of the bargain.”

The President sounded incredibly agitated and ecstatic. It made sense—thousands of predatory creatures had been wiped out in an instant.

—The destruction in Fukuoka is significantly less than we feared. I never truly imagined you would actually neutralize a Grade 2 on your own.

Paradox Flame is perfectly suited for Erosion Cores. There’s no requirement for delicate fire control; pushing it to its absolute maximum shatters the constraints of the physical world.

“I’m glad to hear the results were positive. I assume the payment will be handled.”

—Naturally. We are initiating the transfer immediately. We won’t forget the assistance you’ve provided.

They all say things like that, but I don’t count on favors when I’m at my lowest. They are only helpful when I’m at the top of my game.

It’s like banks, right? They demand their money back when things are grim, but offer you endless credit when you’re thriving.

“Ah, the helicopter is arriving.”

The rhythmic beating of rotors filled the air, a mechanical heavy-lifter cutting through the atmosphere.

“There’s no need to move so frantically.”

“I agree.”

The aircraft touched down, and a group of people hurried out.

Their demeanor was respectful. My mission on Daemado was a resounding success.

They won’t be able to easily manipulate me now. If I maintain this risky momentum just a bit longer, even when the recruitment window opens, Yoon Sung-hyun won’t be able to just pluck me up.

“Ugh, my body is a wreck.”

The sword strike from that monster-like old man had completely pulverized my shoulder, necessitating surgical intervention.

In a normal scenario, they would have to realign the bone, secure it with hardware, and wait months for it to knit. But with high-grade recovery serums, there was no downtime—I’d be back on my feet immediately.

“What kind of place is this?”

Was it a medical suite or a luxury hotel? My physical form was mended, but I was kept under observation for two days as a precaution.

It was a VIP suite on the hospital’s highest floor. The living space for a single patient was easily 150 square meters by my estimation.

“I’m Bradley Piazza from Embargo Tower.”

To top it off, I found myself conversing with a stranger in this opulent room. He had a distinct international aura.

“Are you Italian?”

He shook his head in denial.

“Italian-American.”

I see. After the initial formalities, he offered a smile.

“The suite, the medical care—all expenses are being covered by Embargo Tower. If there is anything else you require, please inform us.”

“I’ve never heard of your firm.”

Bradley gave a nod of acknowledgment.

“We maintain a low profile in the public eye. We operate in specialized sectors.”

He stood up and continued his pitch.

“These costs are substantial. You can tell we’re looking for something in return.”

Bradley nodded again.

“It wasn’t my specific request, so you are free to decline.”

“Oh, that’s a pity. We would have loved to collaborate with Hunter Yoo Chan-seok.”

He was a smooth talker. He selected an apple from a decorative basket on my nightstand and began to pare it with a small knife.

“It’s a major commission, however. We are gauging the interest of other Hunters as well. Do you want the apple peeled into rabbit shapes?”

“I don’t care. You mentioned other Hunters.”

Bradley popped a slice of the fruit into his mouth before answering.

“Zanabi is interested.”

My eyes widened slightly.

“Zanabi? Are you serious?”

Noticing my change in demeanor, Bradley looked momentarily surprised before masking it with a nod.

“Then, perhaps Hunter Lee Se-eun is involved as well?”

Bradley’s eyes narrowed slightly. What exactly was this man’s objective?

I rubbed the back of my head, letting out a forced laugh.

“The truth is, it was love at first sight for me.”

Pure nonsense. But since I didn’t know his intentions, the reach of Embargo Tower, or their true status, I wasn’t going to be transparent.

And he had revealed nothing about the mission. If they were keeping their cards hidden, I had no reason to reveal mine.

“Hunter Lee Se-eun. I believe Zanabi’s 3rd Team Leader is currently overwhelmed with her responsibilities in Cheolwon.”

“Ah…”

I put on a show of visible disappointment. I could practically hear his mind working. How was he evaluating me?

“Hmm, I’ll need some more time to weigh my options.”

Conquering a Grade 2 solo proved my prowess. The next question was: could I be controlled? Even the finest stallion is useless if it refuses the bridle.

I had just handed him the reins on a silver platter. His next move would likely be…

“We’ll see what we can do. Get some rest; you’ve earned it.”

He rose, gave a polite bow, and exited. I watched his back as he left. Once the door clicked shut, I sank back into the mattress.

The next person to walk through that door won’t be Bradley.

“Is he genuinely infatuated with Lee Se-eun, or is he just a fool who chases after every pretty face?”

That is what they will try to determine. If it’s really about her, Embargo Tower won’t be able to keep me on a short leash. If not, they’ll think I’m easy to manipulate.

“Go ahead and try.”