"What is it?"
There was no answer. After a brief silence, the next words were completely unrelated.
"Wouldn't it be better to take a rest?"
"I haven't done anything worth mentioning, whether in the dungeon or out here. I've just been resting."
I was just moving my mouth. I was a bit sleepy, but now I'm perfectly fine.
"Stop dodging the question."
Sung Hyunjae's brow furrowed slightly. His expression seemed somewhat troubled. It made me even more curious. Was it something he was reluctant to talk about? Why? Wasn't he usually good at reading people?
...Or maybe.
"Is it because I showed how weak I am?"
After showing my rotten insides, did he think I was unfit? In the past, I would have felt a chill, realizing that I didn't meet Sung Hyunjae's standards. But now, I was okay with it. I wasn't completely indifferent, but I wasn't as intimidated as before.
At least he still cared about me. If he didn't, he would have just said it outright.
"I've always been like this and will never be perfect. You know that. So, if you have something to say, say it. There's nothing left to crumble, and I think I can accept anything now."
"Why is that?"
"What?"
"I want to see it all. Everything down to the depths."
His quiet words triggered an impulse to flee. My fear resistance didn't activate. It was a gut feeling.
"I can do it if I have to. Anytime."
His voice, which sounded almost languid, felt even more eerie. It wasn't threatening or frightening, but I sensed danger. Yet at the same time.
"You won't, will you? What's the point of doing it now?"
At my words, Sung Hyunjae paused and then let out an exaggerated sigh. The atmosphere changed dramatically.
"It feels like just yesterday I thought you had an unusual level of patience."
"It doesn't suit you to be patient, either. If you hold back too much, you'll just get sick."
"It feels like just yesterday that I thought you had an unusually high level of patience."
"It doesn't suit you to be patient, either. If you hold back too much, you'll just get sick."
"Fortunately, I'm sturdy enough to be S-rank. And if I don't hold back..."
His gaze swept over me, as if trying to pierce through me.
"I doubt Han Yoojin will remain intact. Perhaps only fragments will scatter."
"You seem to have a lot you want to uncover."
"I'd even need to make a list."
That makes sense. He'd probably be curious about the condition of the heart stone inside me and why I went through so much suffering. I shouldn't have had any major wounds now. My parents are a distant memory, I've patched things up with my sibling, and even though the future is uncertain, I'm doing okay for now.
There are many suspicious points, and it's remarkable that my sensitive partner has endured this long. Considering the added burden of his own troubles, it's understandable that he might be on the verge of breaking down.
Somehow, it made me smile.
"I'm sorry for keeping you waiting and for burning away your patience, dear partner."
"It sounds like you're willing to talk."
"Yes."
If I had to choose only one person who could understand my regression, it would be Yoohyun without a second thought. But if I were to make a rational, cold decision, it would have to be Sung Hyunjae.
He is more strongly connected to my past than anyone else.
Unabsorbed memories, the sleeping crescent moon, changelings, and my dealings with Sung Taewon. Moreover, Sung Hyunjae was the one who tried to save the world before my regression. Though he might have had to disappear due to the crescent moon's interference, he wouldn't have remained hidden quietly.
"At the very least, I should tell him about the crescent moon."
It concerns his freedom.
"I know it's said that a rebellious son shouldn't speak, but I'm no longer willing to stay quiet. I should check what impact it might have, but I will speak."
"To me?"
"Yes. First is Yoohyun. That's unavoidable. But after that, it would be you, Sung Hyunjae."
His expression was one of surprise. The clear thing was that he didn't seem displeased. He even wore a faint smile.
"To think that I come after the young master in Han Yoojin's eyes. How flattering."
"Oh, don't get ahead of yourself. It's not like that for this situation, you know? There are quite a few people who are important to me, so don't get ahead of yourself."
I grumbled a bit before meeting Sung Hyunjae's gaze. Normally, we wouldn't be having this kind of face-to-face conversation. It felt oddly fascinating. Really.
"They say sweets are good when you're feeling down."
I took out a star candy from my inventory and handed one to Sung Hyunjae.
"It tastes good."
It was a pink, sparkling star candy. It was said to be warm and comforting, and indeed, it made me feel more at ease. Sung Hyunjae, who had been silently observing, took the candy and ate it. He should just put away the coffee; it's only been used without purpose.
Not long after, the entrance to the lounge became noisy. Even without turning around, I could guess what was happening. They had finally arrived.
"Gathering all the monsters to take them out at once?!"
With a booming shout, a large man strode toward me. A pungent smell of iron filled the air. He didn't seem injured, but the Amaterasu Guild must have taken a heavy hit.
"Is that even possible?"
"You're acting all high and mighty while asking for favors."
Shisio's face twisted in a scowl at my words. It must have bruised his pride. But if Japan were to collapse now, he'd have to abandon his base and seek asylum in another country. While there would be many places willing to take in an S-rank hunter, his days of ruling would be over.
He might be able to take some items with him, but starting from scratch without his own dungeon would be a significant challenge. Most countries already have major guilds established. It might be easy to settle somewhere in the middle, but someone who was once at the top would find it hard to accept.
"…You want me to believe in something with no clear method?"
"If you can't trust me, what are you going to do? Go to Korea? And asking for all the details while receiving help is like a thief's mindset."
Some of my skills will be exposed. It's impossible to hide them completely when using them openly. However, demanding detailed explanations is not something the weaker side should do.
"No matter what you offer, you'll have to climb up and seize it. Let's just draw up a contract. A clean reward per monster."
"Per monster?"
"Yes. An SS-rank piece of equipment for each SS-rank monster. An S-rank piece of equipment or dungeon rights for each S-rank monster. Of course, I have the right to choose. Wow, I'm really being generous. Honestly, even if I asked for double, it would be reasonable to be grateful."
At my words, Shisio's face crumpled even further. The other Japanese hunters around him also looked displeased.
"Are you planning to sweep away all of Japan's SS-rank equipment?!"
"Just five pieces? What's the fuss? You'll still have your share. And I'll take it on a deferred basis. The current items probably don't suit my people anyway. Oh, and I should add that I need detailed reports on all upcoming SS-rank and S-rank items. That's the only way I can choose."
"What? You little bastard!"
Detailed reports on SS~S-rank items. This was an extremely unfavorable condition for any guild, as it meant revealing all the equipment's stats, including weaknesses. Especially in Japan, where guild rivalries were frequent, this would be a huge drawback.
"Oh, I should go home, even if it's just out of fear~"
I clicked my tongue, pulled out a chair, and sat down. Peace climbed onto my lap, baring her teeth at Shisio, while Yerim and Noah stood on either side of me like guards. Myungwoo and Mun Hyuna also kept their eyes on him. Sung Hyunjae watched with interest.
"Shisio, why don't you give up and return to your homeland? Africa's savanna seems like a good fit for you."
A creaking sound came from Shisio's thick neck, which had turned red with anger. You could see the tension in his clenched fist. He looked ready to strike. Lucky for him, his muscular forearms were impressive.
"…If you can't solve it."
"Well, just compensate me. If you want me to eliminate all five SS-rank monsters that have appeared in Japan, then as a condition, if I fail, you'll give me five SS-rank pieces of equipment as compensation."
It's impossible for me to fail. But even if things go awry, it's no concern of mine. I won't set a deadline. Moreover, my curse resistance is at L-rank, and if the Amaterasu Guild collapses, they won't be able to enforce the contract. Just a tiny bit, like an ant's whisker, I feel a bit sorry.
"Include the Flamehorned Lion as well."
"Our people won't be involved. But, we can prioritize raising the Flamehorned Lions you want among those we capture in the future. As a bonus."
Is this satisfactory? Shisio, though still displeased, took out the contract. It was an SS-rank document, obtained from somewhere.
"Detailed reporting on the items…"
"It must be included. Who knows if you might hide something good and not show it."
"Maintain security."
"Yes, yes. Include that in the conditions. You can add any penalties for contract breaches."
We worked through various conditions and drafted the contract. While SS-rank equipment was significant, the more valuable part was the S-rank dungeon rights. One for each monster. How many S-rank monsters are there? Of course, we can't manage all of them ourselves, but for dungeons of less value, we could either sell the first conquest rewards or offload them abroad.
"It's not just the Amaterasu Guild in Japan. Make sure all mid-sized or larger guilds sign. Any future guilds that meet international standards as mid-sized guilds in Japan must also be included in this contract."
There could be loopholes. I was lenient with small guilds. Shisio, looking as though he might explode at any moment, started making calls, shouting angrily for immediate action.
"Seems like you're very angry."
He did look like that kind of person.
Other mid-sized and large guild leaders from Japan began arriving, some sending representatives. They all glanced at me briefly before signing the contract.
Meanwhile, preparations were proceeding steadily. A hundred A-rank or higher hunters with expertise in defense and evasion gathered, and the locations of S-rank and higher monsters were identified.
"We're conducting bait operations to drive the SS-rank monsters into a 200 km radius."
"Keep the SS-rank monsters as far from the central point as possible, so they can be driven there last."
As the sun set, I went up to the guest room where Yoohyun was resting.
"Yoohyun, I'm coming in."
I made my presence known and opened the door. My younger brother was sitting in the living room, dressed in Thunderbird gear, holding a sword horizontally across his lap. Various other weapons were scattered around, possibly being checked. His half-closed eyes slowly lifted to look at me, and although he smiled, there was a sharp edge to his demeanor like a finely honed blade.
"I told you to rest."
"I did rest. I just woke up a little while ago."
"It doesn't seem like a little while."
Yoohyun rose from his seat with a light, effortless movement. He took out a wire from his inventory, swiftly sweeping up and organizing the surrounding weapons in one go.
"Is everything ready?"
"Yes. We can depart now."
"Then let's go."
"Are you not worried?"
As we left the guest room together, I asked.
"There are only five SS-rank monsters."
SS-rank monster would be overwhelming. Even with the double effect of attack skills, facing an S-rank monster meant risking his life. Despite this, Yoohyun showed no signs of anxiety. Instead, he seemed slightly excited.
"You wouldn't put me in danger."
"I appreciate your trust."
"If you were going alone or with others, I'd be worried. But since you asked me, it's different."
Yoohyun was something else. I affectionately ruffled his slightly tousled hair.
"As you said, there's nothing to worry about. Just have fun rampaging."
"Got it."
"It'll take some time to get there, so let's have dinner. What do you want? I'll make it for you."
"Anything is fine. I'm good with whatever."
Descending to the lounge, I immediately felt the stark contrast in the atmosphere. The Amaterasu Guild members, including Shisio, were gathered with defeated expressions, huddled together. They exchanged murmurs of consolation and cast occasional glances at us.
On the other hand, our group was in high spirits.
"Seems like there's nothing grand about SS-rank after all. Should we take this one?"
"Hey, what about this belt? The options look decent."
They were enthusiastically flipping through the list of items they'd been given. Yerim, who still needed more S-rank gear, was particularly excited.
"Hunter Noah, why are you just sitting there?"
"Yeah, you should be grabbing things when they're offered!"
"No, I…"
"What about this? It seems usable even in a transformed state with a bit of modification."
"Oppa Myeongwoo! Can you check this one too? These boots—can the design be changed? Remove these metal decorations here."
It was heartwarming to see everyone engrossed in shopping. I patted Noah on the shoulder and encouraged him to choose at his leisure.
"You should pick out what you need too. It'll make me feel better."
"Ah, yes. I'll just take a little."
"Feel free to choose a lot. There's talk of SS-rank monsters being plentiful, so we're taking our share. Partner, is there anything that catches your eye?"
"There's a decent-looking bow."
"Your dedication to your guild members is admirable. You can send the list to Soyoung. There should be equipment suited for your steeds."
Perhaps due to the demand for steeds, the Amaterasu Guild also had some advanced steed gear.
As we headed to the kitchen to prepare dinner, Myeongwoo and Moon Hyuna followed to help. Sung Hyunjae also joined, and soon the rest of the team came along. I had to shoo away those under twenty as the kitchen was off-limits.
After a hearty dinner, we set off for our destination—a land destined to blaze spectacularly.