Chapter 138: Chapter 138

“It’s fine. I’m also being called strange titles like Fist Hero.”

“Yeonseung. It has been a long time since we met. I don’t want to talk about titles first.”

‘That’s true.’

It took more than 30 years (+10,000 years) for them to be reunited. They didn’t have time to start coming up with excuses for the other person’s title.

***

“Iron-Blooded Ice Emperor. You killed the demon Puodrenger in the past when it came out of a gate...”

“Yes. I ended his life.”

“It was the most beautiful attack in hunter history!”

“Thank you... Can I talk to my little brother now? I haven’t seen him in a long time.”

Lee Changsik’s words made Antony sulk and step back. Antony didn’t admit it much to others, but he had a lot of respect for Lee Changsik.

After the meeting, Lee Changsik wanted to ask a lot of questions and make him recognize his skills if possible...

“Ah.”

“?”

Illeya’s jaw dropped as if she remembered something. Choi Yeonseung looked at her out of curiosity.

“What is it?”

“I’m... I’m in big trouble.”

“?”

“Dragon Hwang came and asked me a while ago to interfere if you ever have any conversations with the Iron-Blooded Ice Emperor...”

“......”

Illeya’s hesitant words seemed to have dumbfounded Choi Yeonseung.

No, Hyung was really too much...

“I didn’t expect you two to actually meet. What should I do?”

“It’s fine. Don’t pay attention to something so senseless. Just ignore him.”

“Really? I’ll do that, then,” Illeya innocently replied, then laughed. Her personality was by no means ordinary. Ordinary people couldn’t reach rank B in the first place.

“Can I ask what you were talking about?”

“Gyeongryong hyung told me not to interact with you.”

“Is that so?” Lee Changsik smiled bitterly, seemingly understanding Hwang Gyeongryong’s intentions.

“Were you waiting here?”

“No. This was a coincidence. I didn’t even know you were coming. The clan leader had to have thoroughly controlled the information.”

“He isn’t the clan leader anymore.”

“Once a habit is established, it’s hard to get rid of it,” Lee Changsik said and silently walked forward. Antony admired it.

Lee Changsik created a movie-star-like effect behind him even if he just stood still. How could he be so profoundly cool?

‘Is it a skill? If it is, I want it.’

“The clan leader probably said that because he’s worried about you.”

“Probably.”

“Are you thinking of coming back to Korea?”

“Who knows? I haven’t thought much about it.”

“Don’t come back.”

“!”

Choi Yeonseung was surprised. “Did I do anything to upset you?”

“What are you saying? Of course not.”

Lee Changsik’s icy expression slightly collapsed. Choi Yeonseung always did baffle clan leaders like Hwang Gyeongryong and Lee Changsik. It seemed that still hadn’t changed.

“What I meant is if you’re doing fine over there, then you don’t have to come to South Korea. Besides, with the clan leader’s strength, you will be much more comfortable with him than in South Korea.”

To be honest, Choi Yeonseung was impressed. He didn’t think someone as patriotic as Lee Changsik would say something like that. He truly did really care about Choi Yeonseung.

“But Hyung, if you need me, I will come and help you.”

Lee Changsik smiled, finding Choi Yeonseung funny.

“If you need me, I will also go and help you.”

“An A-grade hunter being helped by a B-grade hunter? It doesn’t make sense.”

“I heard that the national team’s director has been showing poor performance.”

“... You know about that? It isn’t something you should care about. I am just giving my all in doing what I can.”

‘Hyung is really good at setting the mood.’

If Hwang Gyeongryong had said the same thing, Choi Yeonseung would’ve laughed at him and said, “Don’t get too excited.”

However, those words seemed lonely, profound, and plausible when they came from Lee Changsik. Was it a difference in expressions?

[The ‘Cat of Lava and Magma’ suggests that it might be a good idea to bring this handsome mortal into your household.]

‘Let’s see. I don’t want to drag him into this battle.’

[The ‘Cat of Lava and Magma’ asks if it is okay to bring in that energetic mortal.]

‘Don’t ask sharp questions. It is hard to refute.’

“Do well in the exchange exhibition. Many of the hunters are interested in your martial arts, so it will be a good opportunity for Korean hunters as well. A few martial artists will be there as well. One more thing… Call me if you need help while you’re in South Korea. I know most of it can be solved with the clan leader’s power, but I can offer much more help here.”

“Thank you.”

When their conversation ended, Lee Changsik nodded and placed flowers in front of the gravestone.

“... Wait. You weren’t the one who left these flowers, Hyung?”

“No.”

“?”

Who left them, then?

***

“Can we just go to Jeju Island now?”

“No. I have some business in Seoul.”

“Is it sightseeing?” Illeya asked, sounding full of anticipation.

“Not really...”

“......”

“It will probably take us longer, but I’ll take you sightseeing if you want to.”

“Thank you!”

Excited, Illeya hugged Choi Yeonseun, who then grabbed her and slowly pulled her away.

“I have to meet someone first, though.”

“Who?” Antony asked, curious.

“Ms. Lee Chunok.”

“Is she your mother?”

“My parents are no longer with us.”

“I-I’m sorry. Who is she, then?”

“She is a master of Korean cuisine. I asked Gyeongryong hyung to introduce me to her.”

“... What? Why?”

“I’m trying to learn how to make Korean dishes.”

“......”

Antony doubted his ears. What? Did he hear Choi Yeonseung right?

“What’s with that look? Are you trying to pick a fight?”

“N-No. I’m not. I just don’t quite understand...”

“I’m doing this to have more dish options.”

“I-If we have to take a class... don’t ask me to cook in the future.”

“I was thinking of telling you the same thing.”

“N-No! No! You misunderstand!”

***

“I learned a lot from her.”

‘The chef was probably embarrassed...’ Antony thought to himself.

From the chef’s perspective, it would have been a wonder why a hunter had come to learn Korean food. Extremely Satisfied, Illeya laughed and expressed her appreciation. “I liked the Hanok.”

“Really? I’m glad.”

“Where can I watch people getting their throats slit?”

“... We don’t have that.”

“What about experiencing something like being poisoned as a capital punishment?”

“We don’t... do that here either? I mean, it has been 30 years since I’ve been here, so...” Choi Yeonseung blurted out, sounding unsure.

I don’t think they slit people’s throats...

“Let’s just look around the palace before heading off. Sightseeing is great and all, but we are here to work.”

“Yes.”

[The ‘Cat of Lava and Magma’ asks you to give it food from that snack stall later.]

‘Alright, alright.’

Choi Yeonseung accompanied Illeya with her sightseeing until she was satisfied. When they got on the plane, he realized something.

‘Whoops. I should’ve fed Antony a live octopus.’

***

Several hunters who came to participate in this exchange were already on Jeju Island. Most of them were Korean, but there were also some from China or Japan. A few hunters were from outside Asia, including Choi Yeonseung’s group. What surprised Choi Yeonseung was seeing a few martial artists.

“By the way, this exchange... Um, what do we do here?” Choi Yeonseung asked.

“What? Have you never participated in an exchange?” Antony smirked.

“He didn’t ask you.”

“I didn’t ask you.”

“... Don’t you two have too little respect for me?” Antony was stunned.

He wasn’t the type to let others treat him like this. Moreover, he participated in this exchange because of Choi Yeonseung’s request.

“I understand. Please explain.”

“I permit you to do that.

“... Each participating hunter or clan usually brings and shares raid videos and other materials. We will look at those and learn how to conduct raids from each other. Revealing skills are up to us. Oh, they usually say a few things as well.”

Hunters had no reason to reveal their skills, but those who participated in exchanges often shared a few that would be less damaging when revealed. Other hunters would then look for ways to acquire those skills using the disclosed information.

“Of course, they don’t hide much when it comes to basic or widely known skills, but they often hide more than they openly reveal. Anyway, after that, we’ll be making deals.”

“Deals?”

“Yes. Exchanging things like money, artifacts, skills, or the information you have.”

“Ah. So...”

Choi Yeonseung recalled Hwang Gyeongryong shoving a few cards into his pocket before going to the exchange. He was wondering why Hwang Gyeongryong gave even more despite having already given him the black card...

‘If I want something, I should just buy it.’

Hunters were people as well. No matter how rare their skill was, they would sell information about it given the right price.

“Exchange exhibitions is a place for friendship on the surface, but it is actually full of fierce hidden fights and battles of pride.”

“Antony. Honestly, I admire your explanation. I didn’t know you could explain things so well.”

“... I’ve been suspicious of it for some time now, but haven’t you been ignoring me?”

“What do you mean? I trust you the most in the Icarus clan.”

“... You know what you’re talking about. You’re right. Anyone who has eyes certainly can’t doubt me...”

Choi Yeonseung looked away, ignoring Antony’s words. Were there any more martial artists?

“I think a lot of hunters looking at us.”

“Maybe they’re looking at you because of your recent raid?”

“Probably.”

That was certainly one of the reasons. However, it was more about Choi Yeonseung’s recent match and the video he posted. His bout against Christopher brought forth a different reaction compared to his battle against Maximilian. The new hunter who was suspected of rating manipulation beating Maximilian was certainly great. After all, Maximilian suffered utter defeat despite his vigorous provocations, and Choi Yeonseung rose above him.

However, Choi Yeonseung’s match against Christopher was far better. Borrowing the power of a constellation, Christopher pushed beyond the abilities of a B-grade hunter. Nevertheless, Choi Yeonseung pierced through Christopher’s attacks and retaliated without hesitation. ?The match was so amazing that it surprised everyone. Nobody expected to see such a fight.

By the end of the match, the number of viewers watching the match had already increased by more than fivefold. It was a truly excellent bout. Moreover, the fact that he released information about martial arts was also bound to draw quite a lot of attention...

“Hunter Choi Yeonseung, right?” a hunter spoke to Choi Yeonseung. He was as handsome as a movie star yet gave off cold energy.

“?”

He politely bowed to Choi Yeonseung and greeted him. “Hello. My name is Lee Changuk.”

“... What’s your relationship with Hunter Lee Changsik?”

“He is my father.”

“Ahhh...!”

“Ahhhhhh!”

The group was immediately convinced. No wonder! He had a background effect behind him!

“? ”

“It’s nothing. I’m just sad that Changsik hyung didn’t tell me.”

“My father doesn’t like me borrowing his name. Of course, I feel the same way.”

“Hyung is a bit strict. Still, few people can take care of others as well as he does.”

“......”

A slight smile flashed across Lee Changuk’s expressionless face, which hid how nice he felt.

‘He’s just like Changsik.’

1. Traditional Korean house