SWNOVELXO Chapter 183: Hunter Guild Like Family (2)
Huh.
The Association President’s wrinkled face contorted.
Yeah. The reason those Americans have been pressuring him is that Kim Gi-ryeo is a fake S-Class Hunter.
But what if the person at the center of suspicion suddenly dies during this time?
What can they do about it?
Once an Awakened becomes a corpse, measuring their magic power becomes tricky. The biggest evidence disappears.
What remains are only the test results measured when the Hunter was alive. As long as the numbers in the system aren’t problematic, they can cover up the rest any way they like.
“Let’s see, it should be around here…”
Go Byeong-do finally took something out of his pocket. It was a luxurious leather-bound notebook.
The method that just came to mind might be hard to execute immediately, but at least it gave him hope for a way out.
*
Various sounds were coming from the TV.
[Today, we have Seo Esther, the representative of Korea’s leading Hunter Guild!]
Cheers. Applause. And voices for two.
[There’s a little anecdote about the name Korean Magic Tower, right? Originally, you intended to keep the company name simple with just two characters, but during the early days of the Guild system, someone monopolized all usable words, forcing you to change the guild name!]
[That’s right. Ah, but I’ve heard that it’s changed so that the ownership will vanish if a real guild isn’t established within 30 days… ]
[Though the name was born from an unexpected happening, many citizens say it clearly represents a proud guild of our Republic of Korea!]
[Aha ha.]
[However, I’ve heard that the term Magic Tower is a bit unfamiliar. Is it perhaps a term that came from online games?]
[Originally, it’s a word used in creative works, but the place I borrowed it from is indeed a game. Specifically, [SOM].]
[That game? I know it! It was sensational!]
[But I don’t think there’s anyone here higher in level than me, right? I was such a serious [SOM] addict that I even brought the guild name into reality!]
[Whaaaat?]
[A more familiar term would be a gaming addict! Haha.]
I nodded along to the conversation, resting my elbows on a worn-out cheap blanket.
As you can tell from this relaxed posture, the Great Mage was currently enjoying a precious weekend.
Haaam.
I still have plenty to do to regain my peak abilities…
But honestly, the world won’t collapse if I take a day off.
“I was a bit worried about the name Magic Tower for a while. What? It turns out it was just a borrowed gaming term?”
Roll roll.
Having confirmed the Blueshell, I took some time to enjoy a brief rest.
When I casually turned on the video platform while bored, guess what broadcast was on?
‘Interview with the second S-Class leading a large guild.’
At this point, it’s pretty obvious content, but Seo Esther was the most active person among Korea’s S-Class Hunters.
Numerous official interviews. Public service advertisements.
Moreover, she often showcased her casual and straightforward chat on social media.
Surprisingly, that Curse Mage has established an image as a rather ‘familiar Hunter’ here.
It’s something I could never imagine.
While I could overlook her monstrous awakening stats, how could someone from the Curse Mage lineage win everyone over?
‘It’s indeed difficult. Whether due to the nature of magic or temperament.’
Is this phenomenon happening because curse magic hasn’t been properly defined on Earth yet?
I quietly pondered before eventually putting my mobile phone down.
Well, Esther’s image isn’t what matters right now.
After an extensive web search, I have obtained very interesting information.
After Dungeon Shock.
Earthlings showed immense interest in the newly emerged awakening phenomenon.
And since people’s attention is now focused, it’s at the point where just sitting a high-grade Hunter in front of the camera attracts a swarm of viewers.
Oh.
A broadcasting company obsessed with ratings wouldn’t let such a treasure island slip by.
In the end, program PDs were even proposing first-class entertainment fees to newcomers like Ahn Yoon-seung, who had awakened less than a year ago.
The market economy had increased the value of Hunters.
Performance fees.
Who would have thought there could be such money-making ventures in this world?
‘You mean I can just go out and talk for a few million won?’
I scanned the comments under Esther’s video, licking my lips.
If what they say is true, a solo interview would be a dream job indeed.
Just sitting in front of an announcer and casually sharing some personal stories leads to a bank deposit? That’s definitely easier than the laborious tasks of a Hunter wrestling with monster flesh and guts.
‘Incredible!’
I want to do that too!
Why isn’t anyone offering me that chance?
Just as those thoughts darted through my mind…
Drrrng. Drrrng.
At last, the call reception sound from the repaired mobile phone echoed through the studio.
And as usual, I checked the caller’s name first.
‘Seo Esther?’
What a coincidence. The very name I had just seen repeatedly on the phone screen popped up.
*
A few hours later.
I stepped out dressed in my casual outfit to a familiar location.
This high-rise building, overlooking the entire view of Seoul, was somewhere I’ve been to often.
Knock knock.
“I’m coming in.”
A polite knock. A cue.
The front door soon swung wide open.
What a horrifying sight greeted me.
Inside the room I arrived at, there were steaming drinks on the table, as if they had been prepared in advance for my arrival.
I looked down at the coffee welcoming me, pondering for a moment.
‘Why on earth do these kids enjoy roasted bean water so much…’
But then again, Awakened don’t really consume caffeine, so they could have toned it down a bit.
“Hello, Hunter Esther!”
I managed to greet her while hiding my complicated feelings.
At that, the woman who had been sitting at the upper seat sprang up.
“Ah! Welcome, Kim Gi-ryeo!”
For some reason, her tone was noticeably higher than usual.
“Thanks for coming! I figured I should share this great news with you as soon as possible. Of course, I also wanted to see your face after a long time!”
Great news?
I tilted my head watching Esther as she set the sugar for the coffee.
During the earlier call, she only tossed out a question about whether I had time today, so I still didn’t know why she had summoned me.
As I blinked silently, the Curse Mage hurriedly began to explain.
“Oh dear, did I not reveal the main point first? Actually, I was going to talk about the building reinforcement materials today.”
“Reinforcement materials?”
“The sand you gifted me, of course. Did you really forget already? I remember it vividly from our first meeting!”
Oh right. She was talking about the Absorption Potion I used as a gate entrance fee.
I raised my eyebrows to signal I understood, and Esther seemed thrilled to continue chattering.
“Anyway, it’s good news. Recently, the government granted us permission to establish a new branch. So, our Magic Tower is going to build the last guild branch in Andong!”
“Aha.”
“And we’re going to use the reinforcement material you gave us!”
Listening to her lengthy explanation, it seemed the Korean Magic Tower had quietly been conduct additional research on the Absorption Potion all along.
Starting with simple structures like single walls and containers,
After thousands of experiments with ratios, they’d finally reached the stage of actually constructing a building.
‘They’re learning to use it faster than I thought. With this basic level, can I expect them to discover simple refining methods within five years?’
Clank.
The young S-Class Hunter, who had been chatting for quite a while, wet his throat with the coffee on the table.
“I’m personally very much looking forward to this success. Until now, the experimental results have all been good.”
“Mm.”
“Well, there are still many parts that need verification, like how it’s applied when building on a large scale, or if unexpected problems arise.”
“That’s true.”
“If it gets patented, it might take some time for the technology to stabilize, but it will definitely yield high profits in the future. And of course, this patent will include a significant share for you, Kim Gi-ryeo!”
However, Esther still seemed so excited that her cheeks were flushed.
To protect the buildings from monsters, astronomical barrier maintenance costs will be required, and seeing the ever-increasing prices of the Infinite Power Core, even the wealthiest would feel discomfort.
The patent she mentioned has considerable value.
‘Does that mean I’ll also get a cut of the rewards?’
Intriguing.
I felt invested in the conversation and lifted my coffee cup. I didn’t intend to drink it right away.
It’s better to gulp down the liquid at once when it’s too cold rather than sipping slowly…
“Hrmm.”
Just like when dealing with Ahn Yoon-seung, it would be too much to straightforwardly say I dislike the drink when I’ve already been known to enjoy coffee at the Magic Tower.
Soon after, I swallowed the black liquid in the cup.
I had no choice but to fulfill the curiosity lingering in my mind.
‘Anyway, every time I come to the Magic Tower, I get to feel the ambiance of my hometown. It’s alarming how this could end up causing someone to die out here.’
Anyway, I got good news about unexpected profits. If there is no more information to share, I wanted to gradually head back.
‘Today, I didn’t even plan to leave the house.’
Unfortunately, Esther still seemed to have more to discuss, leaning toward me and earnestly continuing her explanation.
If we proceed to the patent, I might receive around 25% of a substantial share, but I wasn’t involved in the invention process, so the list of applicants was mumbled.
Instead, she assured me she would handle all the financial aspects, so I shouldn’t worry about the share agreement.
But as the sentences continued, I slowly lost interest.
Thinking about it, it was obvious that earning a proper profit from the Absorption Potion technique would require a long wait.
‘The completion date of that new branch they’re building is about three years from now.’
Thud. The empty cup was set beside the scattered papers.
“Do you understand?”
“Yes.”
I hastily responded, pretending to understand to wrap up the conversation quickly.
After all, we’re still in the early research stages without even having built a five-story building yet. It’s not even time to discuss specifics. Everything is too uncertain.
‘I don’t know how much that 25% share amounts to, but since it’s being said by a Curse Mage who’s favorable toward me, it’s likely not a trap.’
After all the efforts I’ve put in, would there truly be issues arising now?
The Great Mage wouldn’t be lowering her pride just to appease the Curse Mage for no reason. I organized my thoughts like that and prepared to leave the room.
Part of my mind even wandered whether there was a water cooler on the first floor of the guild.
“Hmm?”
But it seems rinsing my mouth will have to wait.
“What’s wrong?”
Just after finishing the conversation, as I tried to rise from the sofa, I stumbled and froze mid-motion. Esther immediately questioned my actions.
But instead of answering her question, I chose to act. This was the first time experiencing such a phenomenon after being reincarnated, and I couldn’t predict what effect it might have on others.
Swish.
As I reached out my hand, the Guild Master’s eyes widened.
“President, could you please step this way for a moment… ”
Upon hearing this, Esther seemed to finally understand the meaning of my gesture, late in recognizing, and placed her palm atop my hand.
At that moment, I forcefully pulled her closer.
Of course, with F-Class strength, it would feel feather-light to her.
“Huh?”
If I was only redirecting, this much would suffice.
“What’s going on?”
The Guild Master of the Korean Magic Tower was taken aback and tried to question my sudden action.
However, she swiftly sealed her mouth as she leaned to the side, sensing a peculiar flow of magic energy rushing in her S-Class Hunter instincts.
Space twisted, and a soundless alteration occurred.
“…A gate?”
When I turned my head, the familiar concept emerged in place of where the Earthling had retreated.
“Hmm… For safety’s sake, maybe we should step a bit further over there.”
A Blue Gate materialized before us.
As I swept away the hair that was about to touch the boundary of the passage, I gestured again.