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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 18
Chapter Title: Aftermath of the Special Explosion Potion
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The aftermath of Yeon Sung-hun's special explosion potion was anything but minor.
Including the surrounding area, every monster nearby had vanished without a trace.
All that remained were fragments of some monsters and their magic stones.
Stunned by its incredible power, Lee Ha-na and Kim Jun-su stood there with their mouths agape, too dazed to even brush off the dirt clinging to their bodies.
"Hyung... when did you awaken a magic skill?"
"It's not magic. Just alchemy."
Kim Jun-su let out another exclamation at Yeon Sung-hun's nonchalant reply.
"Hyung, thank you for teaming up with me. Please stick with me forever, generation after generation."
"Me too. Let's always stick together, Sung-hun-ssi."
Was it because their blatant flattery didn't feel all that unpleasant?
Yeon Sung-hun chuckled lightly at his raid members' reactions and surveyed the site, which had been utterly wrecked by the explosion's aftermath.
Since it wasn't an ordinary explosion potion but a 'special' one, there was no secondary damage from flames.
It was closer to simply detonating the air than a fiery blast.
Of course, Yeon Sung-hun had no intention of incinerating the jungle packed with all sorts of valuable materials.
Though it required slightly more materials and mana than a standard explosion potion, the results were more than satisfactory.
'The material quality was above average, so it actually exceeded my expectations.'
Greater power was certainly an advantage, but in this situation, it wasn't entirely a good thing.
A slight miscalculation in distance could have swept up him and his raid members as well.
Since it wasn't a recipe from his past life but one improvised by substituting some lacking ingredients, a deviation from expectations was only natural.
Even in his past life as Faust, such discrepancies happened occasionally, so Yeon Sung-hun didn't dwell on it much.
This rift exploration had doubled as a test run, after all.
Still, for the sake of avoiding harm to his team, he'd need to be more cautious moving forward.
If not for these circumstances, Yeon Sung-hun would have tested it more leisurely.
Having mentally noted the potion's performance, he instructed his raid members to take a break.
Normally, he'd gather the monster corpses first before resting, but the explosion had left little in the way of bodies, so collecting the magic stones would suffice.
Kim Jun-su sighed in relief at the sweet respite after the grueling battle.
He hadn't shown it much, but his trembling hands betrayed how close he'd been to his limit.
Yeon Sung-hun was in the same boat.
He was holding on through his sense of responsibility as raid leader and stamina potions, but his body had long reached its breaking point.
'I need to start recruiting more raid members soon.'
He'd thought a C-rank rift would be manageable, but regardless of feasibility, his body couldn't keep up.
In fact, to shorten the exploration schedule, he'd chosen the smallest C-rank rift available, which ironically made it tougher.
The smaller rift meant more monsters per area.
Considering that, another C-rank rift with more space for rest might have been better.
Unlike the two men at their limits, Lee Ha-na was tired but not as exhausted.
Instead, she clenched and unclenched her fist, as if something felt lacking or insufficient.
Watching her, Yeon Sung-hun pondered for a moment.
Though primarily an alchemist, he'd been nagged relentlessly in his past life by a certain persistent friend to learn the sword, giving him decent proficiency.
He'd quit soon after due to efficiency and physical issues, but he'd trained directly under the empire's aura masters.
As such, he'd occasionally instructed Lee Ha-na and Kim Jun-su.
But that was just informal guidance to prevent bad habits, nothing systematic.
'It's about time to teach them properly.'
Kim Jun-su might be a bit early, but now was right for Lee Ha-na.
'The issue is efficiency, as always...'
If he taught her, it would consume his time.
With his schedule growing busier, was investing in Lee Ha-na worthwhile?
Past-life Faust would have shaken his head immediately, but Yeon Sung-hun was different.
'It's not just about efficiency.'
Above all, her growth would ultimately benefit him too.
He wanted her to reach a level where she could protect someone, at least.
For that, she'd need commensurate combat power.
'I'll need to plan it out properly later.'
Even during the brief rest, Yeon Sung-hun's mind raced.
After sufficient rest, the Golden Raid Team resumed exploring the rift.
They'd cleared many monsters already, but plenty remained inside, so Yeon Sung-hun didn't skimp on the special explosion potions.
After several more battles, well past half a day, they finally conquered the rift.
Success in their first C-rank rift conquest.
This meant not just a milestone as hunters but greater rewards than lower rifts. Yet, no one celebrated much.
Or rather, they couldn't.
They were too exhausted to cheer or rejoice.
Emerging from the rift, they collapsed right past Gye Cheong-san, who welcomed them boisterously.
Kim Jun-su was expected, but even the relatively fine Lee Ha-na soon followed.
Only Yeon Sung-hun remained standing.
Gye Cheong-san approached cautiously.
"Guild master, congratulations on the successful conquest. We've leveled up another step. Um... what on earth happened in there?"
"A lot happened... Sorry, but the report can wait. I need some rest first."
He'd held out due to responsibility as raid leader and guild master, but Yeon Sung-hun wanted to collapse too.
Even more astonishing since, unlike the awakened pair, he hadn't awakened yet.
Gye Cheong-san nodded vigorously at Yeon Sung-hun's haggard, sharper-than-usual appearance.
"I'll book a nearby hotel right away."
"Yeah, thanks."
Yeon Sung-hun sat down heavily after his flat response.
He wanted to pass out then and there, but as guild master, he at least wanted to stay conscious till the end.
It bordered on bravado, but he knew such shows were sometimes necessary.
He suddenly recalled his past life.
In the final stages of the brutal Third Continental War, his friend standing firm after taking an awakening potion from Faust.
When Faust asked why not just rest easily now that the war was over, his friend replied:
"A commander must never show weakness. Even if collapsing from exhaustion, it should be in the privacy of my shabby tent, not before the men."
Yeon Sung-hun murmured softly and chuckled.
Past-life Faust had tsked at the inefficient folly, but now he understood.
"It's not just an efficiency issue."
He chuckled again, gazing at the darkening night sky.
He missed that friend he'd never see again.
Having safely conquered the C-rank rift, Yeon Sung-hun gave his raid members time off.
He was suffering muscle pain himself, so it was only natural.
He left the cleanup to Gye Cheong-san.
With the C-rank conquest complete, they'd reported to the Hunter Association and applied for rank promotion.
Gye Cheong-san said approval would come soon, but from C-rank on, they might need an association test.
New guilds, unlike big ones or corporations, required thorough verification.
Thus, no rift plans for the foreseeable future.
Yeon Sung-hun planned to focus on potion-making, refining recipes and developing new ones with Earth-specific materials.
Unfortunately, that proved impossible.
After the conquest, staying at a hotel for rest, his family—especially sister Yeon Hae-eun—unleashed a torrent of fury like roaring lions.
Yeon Sung-hun could only deeply regret it.
He should have contacted family first instead of feigning fine...
That day, he'd gotten sentimental for no reason...
Yeon Sung-hun was more sensitive than Faust, but not by much.
Thus, despite muscle pain, he spent time with family.
Learning late of his pain, they urged rest, but bolstered by his great potions, he brushed it off.
He went for a walk with apologetic Yeon Hae-eun.
Their destination: Choi Yeon-ah's cafe.
To meet Han So-yul, Yeon Hae-eun's only friend, naturally.
They'd visited often on his days off or when he was in rifts (with mom), making it their hideout.
No customers meant peace, and owner Choi Yeon-ah welcomed them.
Lately, Han So-yul picked up Yeon Hae-eun at home, giving mom Lee Hee-yeon more alone time.
Incidentally, Lee Hee-yeon was shocked at first sight of Han So-yul but warmed quickly to her bright, pure openness.
Once, returning from a rift, Yeon Sung-hun was startled seeing Han So-yul casually in the living room.
He said nothing about it.
On the contrary, he viewed her positively.
Her presence visibly cheered his family.
Not drawn by his potions, which made him like her even more.
Seeing high-rank hunter Han So-yul retain her innocence pleased him.
He vaguely understood why many hunters, including Choi Yeon-ah, treated her like a little sister.
"Hae-eun-ah, come in! Oppa, hi!"
Inside the cafe, Han So-yul waved excitedly, her usual high energy.
She naturally took the wheelchair handles from Yeon Sung-hun, heading to their usual window seat.
Choi Yeon-ah spoke to Yeon Sung-hun, who watched with feigned exasperation.
"Welcome, Sung-hun-ssi. Usual menu?"
"Yes, please."
Frequent visits had made them acquaintances.
As the coffee machine whirred, Choi Yeon-ah asked:
"It's been a while. Heard you've been busy."
"Had a big thing recently. Need some rest now."
"I see. You're the raid leader, right? Lots to handle."
"Now guild master too."
Choi Yeon-ah looked surprised at his casual words.
"Guild master?"
"Small-scale new guild, but yeah."
"Still... you're D-rank, right?"
"Probably promoting to C-rank soon. Cleared a C-rank rift a few days ago."
"...Impressive."
Choi Yeon-ah murmured quietly in admiration.
Retired over a year, but as a former top hunter, she knew the scene well.
She grasped what Yeon Sung-hun's words implied.
Her info on him was limited: recent D-rank alchemist hunter.
'...So-yul says his potions are excellent too, and he fights directly?'
Her view of him shifted from skilled alchemist and So-yul's brother.
"Guild size? Guilds usually have many members..."
"Embarrassing, but five total now. Hunters: me included, three."
"...Three? So the C-rank was with just three?"
"Yeah, it was close, but we did it."
Choi Yeon-ah gaped blankly.
'Just three for a C-rank? No high-rankers?'
Such cases weren't unheard of.
Usually, a future high-ranker was involved.
At least A-rank, maybe S.
Curiosity surging, she asked:
"Can you tell me more? It's too surprising."
"Hm. Not hard to share, but aren't you prying a bit much?"
She flinched at his sly smile.
Even she felt she'd been too nosy.
"Sorry."
"No, it's fine. Actually glad someone like you is interested."
Yeon Sung-hun smiled amiably.
In truth, he'd subtly steered it this way.
Choi Yeon-ah was on his recruitment list.
Unknown current condition, but ex-S-rank.
Even non-combat, invaluable to his future guild.
He spoke casually:
"How about this? I have questions for you too. We trade one each."
"Oh? Is this green light?"
She flashed a deliberately seductive smile; he chuckled.
"Not like that."
"Hm. Gotta hear the question first. I've only asked so far—you start."
"Alright then..."
Yeon Sung-hun pondered.
Good to ask, but gently, not offending.
Beat around the bush.
Her frank personality might not need it.
Past influence made her straightforward.
After a moment:
"Why'd you quit hunting?"
"...Heavy first question. Already scared."
"Don't answer if you don't want. Just curious."
She shrugged after a pause.
"...Nothing to hide. This hand, obviously."
She raised her prosthetic left arm.
High quality, looked normal at a glance.
Yeon Sung-hun gazed, then:
"Even with that, you could've continued if you wanted."
"One question each, right? That's two."
"You asked plenty earlier. Let it slide."
She chuckled at his teasing.
She gently stroked her prosthetic.
"No trauma like others. Rolled around too much for that."
"Then why?"
"Hm... Not just the arm. Mana circuits inside are wrecked. Can't hunt properly. Physically, low-ranks possible, but no desire."
Yeon Sung-hun groaned at her calm explanation.
Mana circuits—no wonder.
Cautiously:
"Mind if I check?"
"Hm? Can you diagnose too?"
"Alchemy synthesizes all knowledge. Basics for a good alchemist."
"One skill does it easy... "
She laughed, thinking joke; he shrugged.
"So, may I?"
"Sure."
She extended her hand readily.
Holding it gently:
"Might sting a bit."
"Pain doesn't faze me."
He nodded, infusing mana carefully.
'...This.'
He sighed quietly.
Worse than thought. Circuits not just tangled—mangled.
Like torn apart and haphazardly reconnected.
Sighing softly:
"What hit you?"
"...New monster, never seen. No name then. Survivors called it 'Demon'..."
"...'Demon'."
Couldn't identify from story, but one thing clear:
S-rank rifts more dangerous than imagined.
Creature wrecking her was high-tier monster.
Short sigh, withdrew hand gently.
She smiled brightly at his thoughtful look.
"Mana control's masterful. Alchemist or mage?"
Trying to lighten mood; he shook off heaviness.
Chuckled, shook head.
"Definite alchemist."
"Other alchemists couldn't do this."
"They're trash... er, fakes."
"Harsh judgment."
"Seeing their garbage boils my blood. Such waste of materials."
Thinking his sharp critique joking, she giggled.
Watching her briefly:
"...If I could fix your condition, what then?"
"...Question? Feels like I'm only answering. When's my turn?"
"Answer this, I'll answer anything."
"Fine."
Shrugging lightly:
"Dreamy, but... probably return to hunting. Unfinished business. And..."
Lips pursed, gripped left arm tightly.
"Someone to avenge."
No need to ask who.
Deep hatred for the one ruining her body and killing comrades.
Gazing steadily:
"Then I'll fix you."
Her eyes snapped to him at the straightforward voice.
Unlike usual warmth, blank face coldly glared.
Cold hunter visage unseen before.
The Choi Yeon-ah from past TV.
Her aura carried faint killing intent; he endured calmly.
Heavy silence settled between them.
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