Chapter 282: Burning Cleanly (1)

Of course, Sisio couldn't come right away. I had plenty of preparations to make anyway, and as long as Lion King can sign the contract to pay my salary, that's enough. Of course, that doesn't mean I'll say yes and wait for him.

"You seem to lack a lot of patriotism. On this side, we're stepping forward, even with worries about our beloved homeland."

I threatened and intimidated the Amaterasu guild members, making them tremble at my feet.

"You can't be an intermediate hunter. We need at least a hundred hunters who can handle advanced and S-class monsters. If we don't meet this criteria, we'll fail."

"If you really can't believe it...give up. I can just go to Korea."

I looked at the items in my inventory and said,

[Wide-range Bait - SS-class

A set of bait that can attract all SS-class and below monsters within 200km. 10 types of bait, 10 pieces each.

Disposable]

It's impossible to cover the entire Japan, of course, but if I can locate the positions of S-class and above monsters and use the bait strategically, I can gather them in one place. If it seems too far away, I can lure them separately.

"Do you have any reconnaissance satellite or something? Please locate the positions of the current S-class and above monsters within a 200km radius."

"Are you saying within a 200km radius?"

"I won't accept mistakes. And even if we have to clear out an undesirable area, it's fine. Once we locate the monsters, move them to the central area within the radius, even if it's Tokyo. Evacuate and clear the area. I'm sure you've grasped the plan from my explanation."

The expressions of the Amaterasu guild members subtly changed, perhaps guessing my plan.

"Currently, there are five confirmed SS-grade monsters, but how do we...?"

"It's not that many. Move quickly before the damage escalates. Find a way to lure any S-rank or higher monsters outside the range into it."

"Work, now. Japanese hunters, with their doubtful and anxious faces, began to move briskly. We'll need to employ various modern equipment since it's not within a dungeon. Locating monster positions won't be too difficult. Even for SS-grade monsters, it's hard to catch them without skills like instant teleportation, like supersonic fighter jets.

Before the regression, when dealing with formidable SS-grade monsters that were difficult to handle, I used fighter jets to lure them out. Normal bullets didn't work, but it was enough to irritate the monsters.

"Oh, and higher-grade monsters don't respond well to drones! You need to insert higher-grade mana stones. The most responsive are higher-grade hunters. When luring SS-grade monsters, use at least S-grade mana stones. And Yoohyun."

After giving instructions, I turned to my younger brother.

"You're taking a break from now on."

"I'm not tired. I'm fine."

"Still, take a rest. You're the lead, so you need to be in top shape."

Under the current conditions, Yoohyun seemed most suitable. Yerim wouldn't be bad either, but to maximize the potential for breadcrumbs, the inland should be the hunting ground rather than the coast.

"I'll clear out both floors above and below for your rest. I don't want any disturbance if there are other people around."

"You're fine, but you said you were sleepy earlier. Let's go together."

"I need to make sure everything I asked to be done is being done here. The Guild Master of Amaterasu might come, and I'll need to sign contracts. Once I'm ready, I'll come get you."

After sending my brother to the room, Ye Rim raised one hand, her eyes twinkling.

"Sir, what about me? Can I help lure monsters?"

"No, leave that to those people. Monsters don't sprint 200km in one go, so we need to hold out until they gather, but you can help then."

I'd need to check the distribution of monsters, but we'd probably need to hold out for about an hour. S-rank monsters shouldn't be too difficult, but the problem lies with SS-rank monsters.

"Please gather as much detailed information as possible about SS-rank monsters outside of the current location, especially their appearance. If possible, take photos or videos and send them to me."

It would be great if I knew them. I'd need to calculate their location and speed to position ourselves to arrive as close to the end of the preparation as possible. It would be dangerous even with multiple S-rank hunters if five of them arrived simultaneously.

"Yerim, you should rest until then too. Noah too. Would you like something to eat?"

Food was arranged in one corner of the lounge. Yoohyun must have thought of feeding us before sending us off. It's not good to eat right before, but hotel staff quietly moved around, keeping an eye on us. It was surprising they couldn't leave even in this situation, but it would be much safer here than outside.

- Beep!

Velare looked at the buffet-style displayed food as if urging to eat.

"No, you've eaten too much."

I almost exhausted all the power of the mana stone, but still, just in case. Instead, I placed Velare on the table and gave her the mana stone.

- Beep.

- Hush.

Velare, looking around cautiously, took the mana stone. She behaved quietly for once. Quite admirable.

"Our velare is quite commendable. She knows how to endure."

I rewarded her with a C-rank mana stone, and she greedily swallowed it with a gulp. Then, she seemed pleased, wandering around the table with Bellare.

"Still prefer meat?"

"Yes, meat! Do they have Korean food here? Droshia's food wasn't bad, but I miss rice."

"Yeah, I know. Is there any Korean food here, or can we just borrow the kitchen? How about you, Noah?"

"I'm fine with what's here. I don't have any preferences."

"Still, if there's something you want to eat, let me know. There's not much we can make, though."

Noah pondered for a moment before speaking up.

"Then I'll have Korean food too. I mean, home-cooked meal, you know. Just something simple, like what Yoojin-ssi usually has."

Simple, he says. When I'm alone, I just grab whatever's there. As if it were natural, Myeongwoo followed me, and I shooed all the kitchen staff out.

"We actually didn't come out in just two days."

We had rice, so all we needed was side dishes. While I grabbed eggs, a frying pan, and salt, Myeongwoo quickly prepared the stew ingredients.

"There was a problem inside the dungeon, a virtual reality thing. Like a game. It got stuck like that, so time passed much faster. Games usually run faster than reality, you know. So I was in there for over ten days."

"That long?"

"Yeah. Almost this whole week? But others went in like they were using real game avatars, but I was actually there."

Thud, the meat on the cutting board was sliced off.

"Again, you're the only one talking."

Myeongwoo's voice sank noticeably. He hadn't even brought up the main point yet, but if he acted like this already, it wouldn't do.

"No, it's just that... it wasn't my fault at all. It's not like I wanted that. Really."

Right. But Myeongwoo didn't seem to be in a good mood. ...He'll probably get mad if I ask him to check the mana engraving. I have to say it, but he'll get mad. Since I did the engraving on my own, if I explain the situation in detail, he'll probably get really mad.

There are ears listening here, so let's talk about it when we get home. Even if I get scolded, it's my own fault, so I can't help it.

"Oh, there were magic guns in that neighborhood too."

"Guns?"

"Yeah. I'll take one out later. There are weapons where firepower comes out regardless of grade as long as it's filled with mana, so it would be useful if we could make them in our world too."

Because of the mana quantity, it would be impossible for low-grade hunters to produce A or S-grade firepower, but they could reach about C-grade attack power. Just that alone would make lower dungeon runs much safer. At the same time, auxiliary hunters would have effective attack means too.

"High-grade hunters would prefer weapons tailored to their abilities, but it would be a huge help for mid-to-low-grade hunters."

"I wonder how they're made. Can I dismantle them?"

"Of course. Do as you please!"

Seems like his mood lightened a bit. I should explain about the engraving and bring out some items from another world later at home. If I convince him that it will undoubtedly help my safety, he might scold me less.

While cooking, Moon Hyuna, who had gone to contact the Breaker Guild, also returned. She asked for a spicy soup since it had been a while since she had Korean food. Yoohyun should have thought about feeding us before sending us off. Should I call him now? Maybe bu he's already asleep.

"Wow, this soup is amazing. It's probably not a good idea to drink now, right?"

"Well, you're not getting drunk anyway."

Moon Hyuna chuckled at my words.

"I brought some points to exchange. It wasn't much. Just two bottles."

"Then save them."

"If we go back, should we call Director Song for a drink? I heard even S-rank hunters get drunk from this."

"Then count me in too. Except Yerim 9f course."

Yerim, who was trying to intervene, grumbled and mashed her rice. Maybe we could cover for Director Song if he gets drunk, or maybe we could just talk openly. Even if the alcohol is strong, won't one or two bottles be enough? If I had known, I would've brought a few bottles too.

While petting the peace on my knee, I poured myself a few shots. It's really delicious to eat rice after a long time. While we were eating, Japanese hunters brought out pictures of SS-rank monsters.

"Fortunately, there are no flying types."

Except for one, they were monsters I remembered. None of them seemed capable of flying, judging by their appearance.

"Keep track of their locations. Has the location been decided?"

"Yes! We're discussing about three places."

"Keep an eye out to minimize immediate damage and look further ahead. Even if there are important facilities, ignore them all and choose locations where we can lure in as many monsters as possible, safely."

Sometimes, saving the unnecessary things can ruin everything. They replied they would keep it in mind, and the Amaterasu Guild Master also said he would arrive within thirty minutes.

Just hearing about Sisio made my heart race. I wonder how I can tear something apart and keep it well for a long time. Once I get home, I'll ask for a list of the equipment I have now, and if there's not much that catches my eye... I wonder what dungeons and equipment will come out in Japan in the future.

"I'm really curious about how our leader will solve this. Can't we do our part?"

"Of course, we need Hyuna's help too. Do you want to visit the Amaterasu Guild warehouse later?"

"I'm fine with it!"

S-rank hunters' help is essential until the monsters gather to a certain distance. Fortunately, there are many skilled people. Like the one sitting over there.

'...But it's really quiet.'

I turned my head to look at Sung Hyunjae, who was sitting on the other side of the lounge, was strangely quiet even in the Black Bull Forest Dungeon. He didn't ask about chainlinking or mana stones. He didn't even say anything until I spoke first.

Even when we went outside, it was the same. Normally, he would have taken the lead and moved around, but it felt like he was holding back all the time. He didn't even respond when I talked nonsense. It would be an honor to choose me, and he could tease the kids or say we'll go to the next tourist attraction on a deserted island. He didn't even interfere with the call with Song Taewon, and he barely said anything during Soyoung's work. He didn't even know that Yerim and I had such a conversation, didn't he? He didn't even say anything like, "I'll remember that," or anything like that. He just finished it with just one verse, even though he used to go on and on until the third verse.

Even now, besides contacting the Seung Sung Guild, he didn't do anything else and sat separately. Sitting next to the window with a nice view, placing a coffee cup, he looked like he was posing for a photoshoot. It felt really strange. Awkward and unfamiliar.

In the end, unable to bear it any longer, I put down the peace and got up, walking towards the table where Seong Hyeon-je was sitting. He couldn't have missed my presence, but I stood next to him and turned my head to look up at him.

"Is it because of the crescent moon?"

That mention might not make sense to someone unaware of the circumstances. Though everyone is dispersed.

"Anyone would feel disgusted."

Forcing someone to stay against their will, repeatedly subjecting them to a life where memories are erased. Sung Hyunjae might have taken it lightly, but at the same time, he might have been even more furious.

Sung Hyunjae, who had been observing me for a moment, retrieved an item from his inventory. His long fingers placed the sound-blocking item on the table with a thud.

"Are you worried?"

"What's there to worry about? It's none of my concern, just—"

I stopped myself mid-sentence.

"...Yes. I'm worried."

Honestly.

"The more I think about it, the more frustrating it gets. Not because of Sung Hyunjae, but because of that damn crescent moon. Even though it's not my business, it still annoys me, as I'm dragged around."

No matter how noble the intentions, the victim only feels anger at suffering harm.

"Sigma's escape, does it really help Sung Hyunjae? If we can't do anything to the crescent moon, then all our efforts are in vain. Ultimately, the special quest had nothing to do with our escape, right?"

It was more of a hindrance. If we hadn't protected Sigma, there wouldn't have been monsters chasing us, or heads popping out. If we had just installed the discs, the newbie would have opened the exit for us. While Sung Hyunjae occasionally helped and got some bonus points, it wasn't enough to make a difference.

"Even if there wasn't a special quest, Han Yoojin wouldn't have just left me alone."

"Well, that's... partially my fault too. Anyway... But if you hadn't resembled him, you would have just passed by. It's because they thought you were Sung Hyunjae."

They're technically the same person, but still. If there hadn't been a connection with Sung Hyunjae, they would have just thought, "Oh, he looks like the Guild Master," and moved on. They wouldn't have entered the dungeon together.

I thought about going to the chair across from me but ended up sitting on the edge of the table instead. If I sat in the chair, I would naturally be lower, but I didn't want that now. Psychologically it might not make sense, but at least physically, being higher would balance things out. ...Not that it would make a difference.

"It seems like no one's touched the coffee. Is it just for decoration? ...Ugh, it tastes awful. Really awful."

What kind of taste is this? When I spat it out, Sung Hyunjae gave me a disapproving look.

"I still don't have memories, so I can't know the details, but my relationship with the crescent moon is probably like an unbreakable contract woven over several occasions. Think of it as cutting one tangled thread of that complex web."

"Even if one thread is cut, it doesn't mean it will untangle right away, does it?"

"It won't be easy."

Just because one tangled thread is cut doesn't mean it will immediately unravel. But it's still better than having no gaps.

"Fortunately."

"Thanks."

"Oh, don't mention it. I've already received what I wanted. Plus, I don't want to be taken away by anyone, not just you, Sung Hyunjae."

I'm tired of people wielding power over others from outside the world. Your family is impressive, but come on. They've already sent two guys, can't you do the same thing again?

"You don't have to worry too much because they won't be able to approach us right now. And if it were Seong Hyunjae, it would be fine."

The crescent moon is dormant now. Most likely because of Seong Hyunjae. On the other hand, Sung Hyunjae from before the regression didn't die. If he had died or been taken away from this world, he wouldn't have retained memories from before the regression.

He might have suffered from being missing. But it also meant he didn't suffer unilaterally from the crescent moon. Rather, he probably dealt a blow to it.

"I'm bothered by the past I don't know, but what I'm worried about now is something else."

Huh? What else could there be?