Chapter 137: Chapter 137

“Can’t you refuse?”

Aine didn’t understand. The exchange exhibition wasn’t mandatory. It was just done for clans to share information and know-how with each other, thus building relations. Participation wasn’t compulsory, so only those interested joined. Why was his father so bothered?

“... It’s a great opportunity.”

Hwang Gyeongryong could live without caring about South Korea, but Choi Yeonseung was different. From Choi Yeonseung’s perspective, who had to gain Earth’s faith, Korea couldn’t be abandoned. Being from that country was a tremendous advantage. He would be able to win its support just by being there for a bit. Choi Yeonseung had been in the US since he returned from the Abyss, but South Korea’s public opinion of him wasn’t so bad.

First of all, returning from the Abyss was an extenuating circumstance. So many hunters moved to other countries that it wasn’t much of a flaw. Hence, participating in an exchange exhibition in South Korea could attract the attention of Koreans.

“You can accept it, then? It’s literally just a social event.”

They would have a lot to gain and nothing to lose. Couldn’t he just go talk and laugh with the Korean hunters, then come back?

“Ugh...”

However, Hwang Gyeongryong just groaned. The reason was...

The reason was...!

“... He might become friends with them if he goes.”

“...Dad... What…? Are you a teenager?”

Aine was shocked. Was he some type of teenager who said things like, ‘He’s my friend. Don’t play with him!’

However, Hwang Gyeongryong was serious. Choi Yeonseung hunted for South Korea 30 years ago, which was when their clan was still around. If he met their old clanmates again, old feelings could spring up and his forgotten patriotism could be revived.

Choi Yeonseung had a good personality and took care of the people around him. If Lee Changsik held his hand and said something like, ‘Yeonseung! Korea... it needs you!’ he could be shaken.

After hearing Hwang Gyeongryong’s detailed explanation, Aine nodded as if she understood.

“Ah. That can be a concern. Hunter Choi Yeonseung’s current nationality is also Korean, right? If he meets his old friends, then he might just stay in South Korea for good.”

“Is this the time to talk as if this doesn’t affect us?”

“Why would it matter to me? I can still work for Hunter Choi Yeonseung even if he goes to South Korea.”

Aine shrugged. It didn’t matter if the client was from the United States or South Korea. From Choi Yeonseung’s perspective, it could be better to return to his homeland. Wouldn’t there be more people he knew?

Annoyed, Aine jokingly said, “If you’re that anxious, tell the hunters going with him to disturb them.”

“... That’s a good idea.”

“......”

***

‘Gyeongryong hyung worries a bit too much.’

Choi Yeonseung was dumbfounded. He had just heard about the exchange exhibition from the Icarus clan.

-Don’t fall for their wicked whispers! Understood?!

Hwang Gyeongryong seemed worried that Choi Yeonseung would stay in South Korea, which was understandable. Choi Yeonseung had few acquaintances, but most of them were Korean. It was also his country. However, he had no intention of staying in South Korea. Rather than having feelings for South Korea, the United States was the best place right now for achieving his goals.

After all, it was currently the most powerful country! He could get help from Hwang Gyeongryong, there were many raid opportunities, and the number of hunters was overwhelming. If it was 30 years ago, he never would have imagined that hunter spots like the UHC and SSL would become popular.

This was America—literally the land of opportunities.

‘Come?to think of it, South Korea’s location was hell. For real.’

China argued over a monster they had caught, North Korea didn’t have the ability to kill monsters, so hunters had to go to the armistice line while cursing, and Japan did suspicious magic experiments that infected the sea and caused damage to South Korea...

It was a really crazy location now that he thought about it. It wasn’t something anyone would purposely pick!

‘Maybe it’s due to this dog-like location that Korean hunters were popular.’

Even 30 years ago, Korean hunters constantly received a lot of overseas scouting offers. Their location wasn’t good, but they worked hard regardless. As a result, they developed excellent skills and experience.

[The ‘Cat of Lava and Magma’ asks why you would go to a place that’s similar to the Abyss.]

-I can’t just leave it alone. I have some friends over there.

Even if he didn’t plan on staying in South Korea, he had some people he knew in that country. He wanted to see them again after so long.

[The ‘Cat of Lava and Magma’ is worried that this is the beginning of you becoming a pushover, which was what the energetic person was worried about.]

[The ‘Manipulator of Dreams and Desires’ says that helping the country you came from isn’t a bad choice when considering the future. She recommends it as a strategic.]

‘I didn’t think about it strategically, but I am grateful you assessed it this way.’

Choi Yeonseung entered the grounds of the Icarus clan and saw new faces again. The new hunters turned their heads toward Choi Yeonseung in surprise.

-I heard the hunter over there is really fierce.

-I heard you’re done if you make one mistake around him.

-He’s completely crazy.

-I just got in, so let’s avoid him.

“...Who’s the bastard that started that rumor?”

Choi Yeonseung was dumbfounded.

“Oh. Choi Yeonseung! You’re finally here!”

Antony exclaimed excitedly upon noticing Choi Yeonseung. While Choi Yeonseung was absent, Antony and the other hunters were experimenting with the Beginner’s Martial Arts. As they did, Antony became convinced that his achievements were the highest.

“Look at what I have accomplished. You’ll be very surprised.”

“Why are the new hunters like that?”

“What are you talking about? Ah, those newcomers. You were a hot topic of conversation, so I told them not to be arrogant—cough cough! What’s wrong with you?!”

Choi Yeonseung grabbed Antony by the collar. This?bastard was the?cause?

“Cough... What are you doing?”

“Why did you do something I didn’t ask you to do?”

“N-Newcomers... should show respect...”

Antony didn’t understand. He just told other newcomers not to ignore Choi Yeonseung, whom he acknowledged, because Choi Yeonseung was a martial artist.

“Forget it. Damn. I can clear up the misunderstanding when we meet face-to-face later anyway. Have you heard about the exchange exhibition?”

“I heard about it.”

Antony groaned while holding his neck.

“Do you want to go?”

“What? In that eastern corner...”

“Before you continue, make sure to think about the country I’m from and choose your next words carefully unless you want your jawbone to be crushed.”

Choi Yeonseung sounded calm, but his voice had a deep sense of killing intent in it. Antony instinctively remembered what country Choi Yeonseung was from.

“There are still many things I lack to go to the land of morning calm...”

“You did well in avoiding repercussions, but this is compulsory for you. You’re quite unlucky.”

“W-Why do I have to go there?”

Antony was bewildered. It was better to do self-training and raids here than participate in the exchange exhibition and learn from Korean hunters.

“Because you spoke ill of my country.”

“You might have gained my recognition, but you don’t have the authority to command me!”

“Do you want to throw up what you learned about martial arts?”

“......”

Antony was speechless. What was he talking about...

***

“Huh? I’m not going. I’m busy learning a new skill.”

“Whoa, friend. I like South Korea as well. The last time I traveled there, I took a photo in front of Gwanghwamun. I paid $100, but it was a good experience.”

“... Gutierrez aside, you were scammed, Smallwood.”

“What?!”

Smallwood was dumbfounded. He was told that he had to pay $100 to take a photo at Gwanghwamun, so he paid. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

‘No. Surprisingly, I’ve got no one else to go with.’

Choi Yeonseung realized it was because the hunters he was close with were all learning new martial arts skills. They would gladly eat poisonous insects alive if it meant becoming stronger. It was only natural for them to immerse themselves in their newly learned skills.

“I’ll only take Antony with me, then.”

“That’s a good idea.”

“Friend. If you take Antony, go to a food stall and feed him a live octopus.”

“What is a live octopus?”

“It’s something that boosts a hunter’s magic, friend.”

Choi Yeonseung shrugged, ignoring the two. Well, he could just?take?Antony. In fact, there was no reason to take Antony with him. But...

Choi Yeonseung was going to drag him around a bit as punishment for his foul words.

***

‘I forgot about Illeya.’

Just as he was about to take Antony with him, Illeya rushed over.

-Me! I will go. Leave that bad person behind and take me with you!

-What?

-I want to go with you.

-Wasn’t your sentence too long for such a simple request?

In fact, it wasn’t a big deal to take Illeya with him. The problem was...

“The Korean language... I’ve mastered it. How about that?”

“That’s a bit awkward, but it isn’t bad.”

“If you’re going to a country, then you should learn its language,” Illeya spoke clearly, her eyes shining.

The sight made Antony feel as if he was sitting on a thorny cushion.

‘I don’t speak any Korean...’

“Did you just open a Korean learning app?”

“T-There is no need. Why should I try to cram now when there are interpreters?”

Choi Yeonseung looked at Antony with pity and looked away.

‘I’m worried. Illeya seems to be looking forward to this too much.’

The higher the expectations, the bigger the disappointment. In Choi Yeonseung’s opinion, South Korea wasn’t a particularly good country for sightseeing. There was a high probability that she would be disappointed. He couldn’t fault her for not liking it, though...

“We’re almost there. Get ready to disembark. Antony. You don’t have to cram in Korean, so stop trying to learn it.”

“I wasn’t!”

They were currently on the clan’s private plane. The exchange was taking place at Jeju Island, which had fresh water and air. However, Choi Yeonseung was planning to land in Seoul first. There was a place he had to drop by.

“A national cemetery?”

“Yes.”

The cemetery had an atmosphere so solemn that even Antony and Illeya behaved cautiously. Choi Yeonseung stood in front of the grave of a former clanmate who died in battle.

“......”

Even if Choi Yeonseung stayed on Earth, his clanmate likely still couldn’t have been saved. Back then, Choi Yeonseung’s skills weren’t enough to handle even one opponent. That didn’t mean he didn’t feel regret, though.

Choi Yeonseung remained silent for quite some time before raising his head. He was going to leave some flowers, but it already had some.

‘... Who left the flowers?’

It was still fresh, so it probably hadn’t been too long ago.

“Huh? Iron-Blooded Ice Emperor?” Antony murmured in surprise. South Korea’s A-grade hunter was behind him. No matter how arrogant Antony was, he couldn’t help but humble down in the presence of a first-generation A-grade hunter.

“Iron-Blooded Ice Emperor? Who would have such a grandiose title... Huh? Hyung?”

Choi Yeonseung was also surprised. It wasn’t because Lee Changsik was right there with them. Rather, it was because his title was grander than he thought.

“... It isn’t a title I gave myself.”

Lee Changsik’s first words to Choi Yeonseung during their first meeting after so long were an excuse.