Chapter 13: The House in the Sky (1)

June 18, 2 a.m.

At the Hunters Association branch in Gongju City, a woman was running with a long staff.

Bang!

As the woman roughly slammed the door open, the startled Hunters in the lounge turned their heads at her.

"What is it, newbie?" asked a middle-aged man sitting at the table playing smartphone games on his smartphone with a fellow Hunter.

The woman urgently approached them and handed over a letter. "A... a letter bearing the emblem of Shine Guild has arrived."

"What?"

Shine Guild was a Hunter guild located in Seoul.

One of the Hunters who had been lounging around stood up, took the letter, and checked it. "It's real."

Finally, the other Hunters showed interest.

"What does it say?"

"Well..."

The Hunter hesitated as he handed it to the team leader. Upon examining the letter and tilting his head, the team leader stood up sternly.

"It's a Gate discovery report."

"What?"

"It's a Gate discovery report." The team leader repeated with a stiffened expression.

Based on his reaction, it was difficult for the others to believe that it was simply a report. However, sensing that this was a serious matter, the Hunters quietly grabbed their weapons and followed the team leader.

***

[You have defeated the Gate boss, Dark Mage of the Red Moon. The Gate will be destroyed once you exit.]

It was a message announcing the destruction of the Gate.

[Destroy the black gem set up by the Dark Mage in the forest to free the Beastfolk from brainwashing magic. Additional rewards will be given.]

"Huh?"

As Baek Su-Wang—or rather Baek Min-Hyuk—was pondering what had happened, a Golden Lion Beastfolk regained consciousness and walked briskly over to its confused savior.

"I express my thanks."

"It was nothing."

Baek Min-Hyuk was not familiar with these creatures, but not to the point that it overwhelmed him. Along with the Beastfolk, there were many other sentient species such as Elves or Dwarves, and even rare intelligent species that Hunters had to cooperate with in order to defeat Gate bosses.

Come to think of it, they were all in dire situations.

In the past, he had helped the Dwarves avoid various disasters. He had even aided in the subjugation of a Gate boss one time.

And now, he had restrained rather than kill the Beastfolk who had, in a fit of rage, transformed into a Gate Boss. All the intelligent species he had encountered inside these Gates were in some state of distress.

"This is a gift to the hero who did not kill our tribe's warriors even among hardship and adversity." The Golden Lion Beastfolk removed the necklace around its neck and put it on Baek Min-Hyuk.

"Appraisal."

[

Fang of the Hero (B)

]

Description: A molar left by the hero of the Golden Lion Tribe, symbolizing their hope for the tribe's eternal survival

Restriction: Beastfolk Transformation ability users and Beastfolk

Effect 1: Physical abilities increase by 20% when transformed into Beastfolk

Effect 2: Duration of Beastfolk transformation increases by 50%

So this was it.

He had been told not to kill any Beastfolk. Despite the tremendous difficulty in completing this task, Baek Min-Hyuk eventually destroyed the black gem and defeated the Dark Mage. The artifact Fang of the Hero was a reward that made his suffering worthwhile.

"I will gratefully accept it."

Baek Min-Hyuk naturally did not refuse.

"I am truly grateful."

The chief of the Golden Lion Tribe was very pleased with Baek Min-Hyuk's humble attitude.

"No. I just did what needed to be done."

"

Haha!

Despite having no connection to our tribe, not even in appearance, name, or prior relationships... Despite saving our tribe and our forest, you show such humility!"

Baek Min-Hyuk felt embarrassed by the chief's praise because he had originally visited this place in pursuit of rewards.

"Oh, no. I've gotten something out of it myself as well. Well then... I'll be on my way."

"You're already leaving? I haven't even given you a sufficient reward."

Baek Min-Hyuk raised the necklace he had received earlier. "I've already received my reward."

"

Hahaha!

What a true hero!" The chief chuckled heartily, seeming very satisfied.

The two bid farewell at the entrance and Baek Min-Hyuk escaped through the Gate.

"

Phew.

"

All Baek Min-Hyuk had done was restrain the Beastfolk who had gone berserk under the control of the Dark Mage while making sure he did not inflict any fatal blows. After destroying the black gems scattered throughout the forest, he had defeated the Dark Mage. The only problem was that it had been difficult to precisely subdue the Beastfolk because, unlike video games, there was no HP bar displayed. He ended up with quite a few injuries while trying not to accidentally killing them.

"Well done," said a Golden Lion Guild member.

"Thanks for waiting." Baek Min-Hyuk replied.

"I merely waited. You're the one who has worked hard. So, how much did you level up by?"

"One."

"What?"

"It was because I couldn't kill any Beastfolk inside the Gate."

"So, you're still an A-Class Hunter?"

Baek Min-Hyuk shook his head at the question. "No. I'm not."

Hunter classes were divided by level, with six different levels in total. However, there was one exception. When a Hunter's stats increased significantly, either due to intense training or through rewards from Gate destruction, they may obtain a higher class than the one ordinarily assigned based on their level.

"My ability has been enhanced. I'm an S-Class when I use my Beastfolk Transformation ability."

"So, under specific conditions, we can now consider you an S-Class Hunter?"

"That's right."

"How about your upcoming evaluation?"

"I won't have any trouble with it. The duration of my Beastfolk Transformation ability has increased as well. However..."

"Yes?"

"Who is he?"

Baek Min-Hyuk narrowed his eyes and looked at the unfamiliar young man. The young man looked around nervously, trembling like a rabbit entering a lion's den.

"He said he's a courier, and that you would understand if we told you he was made to send you a letter."

"Oh?!"

The letter, one that had informed him of that Gate, was directly responsible for Baek Min-Hyuk's promotion to S-Class.

Baek Min-Hyuk briskly walked toward the courier. "Did that person send it?"

"Yes? Yes! That's correct!" The courier answered like a foot soldier standing in front of a general.

He pulled out the letter from his messenger bag and handed it over.

Baek Min-Hyuk tore open the sealed envelope and immediately started reading.

This is Kim Ki-Rok, the Guildmaster of DG Guild. Come here quietly once you have destroyed the Gate. Shine Guild is also here, so you must come quietly.

Baek Min-Hyuk's eyes narrowed even more after he had read that. The content of this letter was so simple, he wondered why anyone would bother to seal it in an envelope.

"Did you see the person who requested this letter to be delivered?"

"Uh, yes. I did."

"What did they look like?"

"Uh, they looked very ordinary."

"Where did you receive this letter?"

"In front of the terminal."

It was the address written below the letter.

"Did this man have any distinctive features?"

"Distinctive features...?" The courier hesitated, digging through his memories before answering, "He was in a relationship."

"A relationship?"

"Yes, a relationship. He was with a beautiful woman. Maybe he's rich?"

"I see. Anyway, thank you for your hard work."

"No worries, it's my job after all. Here, please sign here as the recipient."

Baek Min-Hyuk signed the document the courier handed over.

However, the courier did not leave yet. "Excuse me, but..."

"What is it?"

"It's cash on delivery."

Silence filled the room.

***

On the rooftop of a small three-story building, Kim Ki-Rok was sitting on a chair taken from his subspace pocket, looking down at the building's courtyard. It was an orphanage called House in the Sky.

"We have to attack eight orphanages to rescue the children at the same time," Kim Ki-Rok explained.

"Would it be difficult to block their communication network?" Kang Ho asked.

"They'll escape if we cut off their communication network. They will kill the children and run away without leaving any traces."

It was a chilling response.

"Fortunately, very few Awakened criminals reside in the orphanages." Kim Ki-Rok continued.

"A few?"

"Yes. The reason there aren't that many Awakened is that they're worried about drawing too much attention with all of those abilities. Instead, they have a lot of ordinary criminals."

These ordinary criminals followed under the instruction of several Awakened.

"So how many Awakened criminals are hiding inside?"

"They don't have many artifacts that conceal their abilities. So, some places have two, while others have around four. That's why the rescue team..." Kim Ki-Rok trailed off, slowly turning his head to look at the rooftop door.

Lee Yeon-Hwa and Kang Ho both followed his gaze.

The rooftop door slowly opened right as they turned their heads.

This was a crucial operation. The lives of oblivious, innocent children were at stake. Although the opening door interrupted their discussion, no one reached for their weapons. It was an expected guest.

A blond man appeared, followed by a man and a woman.

Kim Ki-Rok greeted the blond man warmly. "Welcome, Baek Su..."

Instantly, a strong aura emanated from the blond man.

"Hunter Baek Min-Hyuk." Kim Ki-Rok finished his sentence.

"How did you know?"

"I think the answer to that question is pretty self-explanatory if you read the Hunters Association's website."

Upon receiving the follow-up letter, Baek Min-Hyuk had searched the official website on his smartphone as he moved toward the address mentioned.

There was indeed a "DG Guild" present there. Information about the Guildmaster could also be confirmed.

"Discernment?" Baek Min-Hyuk asked.

"Yes. When I use my Discernment ability, a status window appears in front of my eyes. It's just three lines. The first line is the name, and the second is the talent field. The third is the name of an ability that exists without any explanation of said ability. That's why I knew." Kim Ki-Rok answered.

"That's how?"

"It is speculated that it is impossible to erase the name received at birth just because it was legally changed."

"

Tsk!

"

After clicking his tongue at Kim Ki-Rok, Baek Min-Hyuk nodded at Lee Yeon-Hwa, the Guildmaster of Shine Guild. "Nice to see you again, Guildmaster Lee Yeon-Hwa."

"Yes. Guildmaster Baek Min-Hyuk."

"Uhh..."

Right as Baek Min-Hyuk was about to speak to Lee Yeon-Hwa again, Kim Ki-Rok turned around and looked up at the sky. "You're caught up, yes?"

"I just got here." Baek Min-Hyuk protested.

"You must have heard it on the way up." Kim Ki-Rok interjected as Baek Min-Hyuk closed his mouth. "Of course, you must have heard it. As an Awakened with the Beastfolk Transformation ability, your senses are superior to others."

He was right. Baek Min-Hyuk had heard the whole story. Baek Min-Hyuk sighed and looked toward the rooftop railing.

Standing beside Kim Ki-Rok, Baek Min-Hyuk gazed at the house in the sky. "Is that it?"

"Yes. As you heard, we will simultaneously raid eight orphanages to rescue the children, then proceed to attack the main base."

"Will you be figuring out where the main base is by following Awakened criminals fleeing from the attack?"

"The location of the main base has already been identified."

"How about the group led by the criminal Ma Ak-Soo?"

In response to Baek Min-Hyuk's question, Kim Ki-Rok looked at Lee Ji-Yeon. Lee Ji-Yeon called for Ine, who had been resting up until now.

"Huh? You called, contractor?"

"I see. An Elemental."

"No matter how airtight their base is or if they use illusion abilities to avoid the surveillance of satellites, humans still need to use fire." Kim Ki-Rok said.

They had found a secluded place with few people and tracked the fire energy there.

Baek Min-Hyuk nodded in understanding. "Moving on to the next question."

"Go ahead."

"Judging by the situation, it seems like you sought out the permission and cooperation of Shine Guild in advance."

"That's correct."

"Why did you proceed in the manner you did with me?" Baek Min-Hyuk questioned.

Kim Ki-Rok stupidly grinned at Baek Min-Hyuk. "Pardon me?"

"I'm asking why you went through such complicated means to get to me."

Baek Min-Hyuk had been lured to Gongju City by the reward mentioned in the first letter, only to be sent another requesting cooperation from him and his Golden Lion Guild.

"It's because we were lacking the necessary manpower to face Ma Ak-Soo."

"In terms of skills?"

"Yes."

"

Hmph!

"

Baek Min-Hyuk understood. If he hadn't awakened his new ability and earned that artifact, he would have remained an A-Class Hunter and would struggle to fight against an S-Class Awakened criminal like Ma Ak-Soo.

"Have I answered your questions?"

"Yes."

"Then let me explain the operation right away."

Kim Ki-Rok, who now had everyone's attention under the premise of explaining his master plan, manipulated his earpiece and connected to the radio. From now on, all the words coming from his mouth would be heard by all Shine Guild members participating in the operation.

"Oh, who is here from the Golden Lion Guild?"

"Us three, right here." Baek Min-Hyuk answered.

"Who is here?" Kim Ki-Rok asked again with a smile.

"Thirty of us. They are waiting below because we bumped into the Shine Guild members downstairs."

It was as he had expected.

Just be safe

, Kim Ki-Rok thought as he looked at Kang Ho for confirmation.

Kang Ho nodded. "A report just came in that all the prepared earpieces have been delivered."

"Well then, I will explain the operation."

The tension in the room escalated several notches.

"We have tried to account for all variables, so please act according to the operation. That way, we can successfully rescue all the children and kill Ma Ak-Soo."