There are truly all kinds of people in the world. Among them are always extreme types, and those with extreme patriotism are usually referred to as "far-right." Japan has a significant number of such far-right individuals, even within political circles.
The Japanese Union expressed their gratitude to the Korean Union. However, separately, some officials in the Japanese government insisted on imposing a certain level of taxes. Since the Redstone from the Cyclops had not yet been assigned an evaluator, and because the monster had been hunted on Japanese soil, the argument was that a portion of the profits should go to Japan.
On the internet, self-proclaimed conservative sites had discussions like:
―"They came here to make money anyway, not to help us. So taking taxes is only natural, isn't it?"
―"The Redstone from the Cyclops that appeared in Japan is naturally Japan's property. The government and the Union are making a huge mistake right now."
This was roughly the atmosphere. The Korean Union had not come to actively aid Japan, they were motivated by the rewards for slaying the Cyclops. Therefore, it was argued that a portion of the profit should be shared with Japan.
However, some voices also said:
―"That has some merit. But what if another monster like the Cyclops appears later?"
―"Don't get swept up in emotions and just look at the short term. There's no guarantee that the Cyclops won't appear again. And if it does, Japan doesn't have the capacity to handle it. Messing with the Korean Union could backfire completely."
Most of the content reported in Korea came from the far-right perspectives. It was sensational and made for good material, so the online Korean public reacted strongly.
―"We helped them, and now they're saying 'sue us'? We should be thanking them with rewards! Do they even have a sense?"
―"Mutually beneficial deal? It wasn't a deal; it was a request for help. They're crazy."
The public sentiment rose to the point that Koreans shouldn't help Japan again. Fortunately, the Japanese government did not demand any share of the Cyclops' items. Some far-right groups, however, protested, claiming that the Korean Union was bowing down too much.
Despite these minor incidents, Hyunseok felt very comfortable. Celebrities typically do not act alone; they belong to agencies. Agencies handle almost everything related to their activities and try to maximize profits for the celebrity. The relationship between Hyunseok and the Korean Union was similar. The Union strived to provide all conveniences for him.
It was as if a top-tier celebrity was being managed by a top-tier agency, keeping him safe under the huge umbrella of the Korean Union. But then someone from America appeared, a Slayer fluent in Korean, who came to see Hyunseok secretly.
"Hello? May I meet Platinum Slayer Hyunseok?"
Even though Hyunseok and the Union tried to keep him hidden, top Slayers and high-ranking officials worldwide seemed to know about him, especially in America.
'As expected, America…?'
Japanese Union executives knew his face. Members of Ichigo's guild, regarded as the strongest in Japan, knew him as well. Hyunseok's identity wasn't completely secret, and it seemed the Americans had investigated him, possibly via satellite imagery. Hyunseok didn't particularly deny it.
"Hello," he replied simply.
After brief greetings, the man introduced himself as Steve and got straight to the point.
"I'll be direct. At the American Union, we highly value Platinum Slayer Hyunseok and pledge full support. We invite you to join the American Union."
The offer from America was astounding. Joining the American Union would come with cutting-edge equipment, housing, a private plane, and access to the numerous high-ranking monsters that appeared there. The initial recruitment fee alone was $300 million.
It was well known that the American Union differed slightly from other unions. While the Korean Union was more of an association of guilds, the American Union integrated and managed guilds, a "guild above guilds" model.
Even so, offering $300 million just to recruit one individual was staggering. That's over 300 billion won. The fact that they could spend that on one person demonstrated the immense power of the American Union.
Hyunseok was conflicted.
'Three hundred billion… with unprecedented treatment…'
He couldn't answer immediately. He accepted Steve's contact info and promised to respond later, spending several days carefully reviewing the details. Aside from the initial recruitment fee, the terms were extremely favorable. Eventually, Hyunseok made his decision.
❋ ❋ ❋
Originally, unions were associations of guilds, formed to protect Slayers' rights. The American Union was slightly different, it integrated and managed guilds, serving as a higher organization. Other countries were gradually adopting similar models.
Regarding Monster Stones dropped from slain monsters, most countries handled them at the national level, with governments claiming the profit. America, however, established its union first, negotiated legally with the government to lower taxes, and secured better profits.
Guilds in the union benefited from lower taxes and higher profits. America also had abundant monster resources, especially Orcs, making slaying highly profitable. For Slayers, Orcs were the most efficient targets; Trolls were too strong, and weaker monsters weren't cost-effective.
Joining a union provided detailed monster maps, mediation for disputes between Slayers, and a private trading system for convenient and fast item exchanges.
Hyunseok thought:
'Definitely… this is a clear benefit for me.'
There was no question, the best Slayer receiving top treatment was an offer with no downside. After reviewing the details, there was nothing worse than his current situation.
'But…'
❋ ❋ ❋
Hyunseok ultimately rejected the American offer. Three reasons drove his decision:
First: loyalty to Park Sunghyung.
The Korean Union was still young and growing. The presence of a Platinum Slayer elevated its prestige. Leaving for America would reduce the Korean Union to a powerless organization that lost its top Slayer.
Second: personal ambition.
Joining the American Union would be like joining a giant corporation. The Korean Union was still small, and being part of it allowed him to nurture and grow it.
'I want to see how far the Korean Union can grow.'
Hyunseok, originally a safety-first type, now felt ambition. Contributing to the Union's growth alongside Sunghyung and Jongwon gave him a strong sense of value.
Third: practicality.
New monsters and dungeons often appeared first in Korea. America had a large market with profitable monsters, but they didn't offer the growth opportunities Hyunseok sought. Monsters exceeding normal mode standards, like the Cyclops, were the most valuable for his development.
'Considering everything… it's better to stay in Korea.'
Jongwon had originally suggested moving to America, given the excellent conditions, but he didn't oppose Hyunseok's decision. He was only slightly impressed.
"Wow, safety-first guy has really changed, huh?"
"Shut up."
"I also think staying in Korea is good. I'll benefit from being with you. Leveling grind is really for idiots; low-levels need the boost, right?"
"Low-level my foot."
"Totally low-level."
After clearing the impossible achievement and exceeding 100 Strength, Ha Jongwon confidently called himself low-level. Hyunseok replied:
"Even if I went, would I go alone? I'd bring our guild members."
"Hah, good luck! If you leave, I'd never go. Sunghyung would get blamed. I won't see that happen. Loyalty matters."
"You're not just saying that because you prefer a snake head to a dragon tail, are you?"
Jongwon flinched.
"Partly. Hey, did you hear? Some hidden class appeared…"
(End of Chapter 32)
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