The classes of citizens who could reside in the city were either 1st-class or 2nd-class, but the gap between them was enormous.
Separate from the 3rd-class citizens who lived together in the provinces and were treated like people from another world, 2nd-class citizens were in a position to be constantly compared to 1st-class citizens.
They self-deprecatingly called themselves 'beggars' or 'country bumpkins.'
To afford the insane rent, they couldn't live in the central area, so they were pushed to the outskirts of the city as much as possible, and the more that happened, the closer the 2nd-class citizens found themselves to the poor.
"…Ah, what the."
The man got up and turned on his phone screen. It was past 1 AM.
"Ah, seriously, the laundry, fuck…."
It's probably all wrinkled by now.
"I think the alarm went off, why can't I wake up."
The man grumbled as he collected the laundry from the communal laundry room.
The man thought to himself that if a 1st-class citizen saw him, they would sneer, asking if he cared about cleanliness in his station.
'We may not have money, but do we not have pride? We already get cursed at for being dirty, we can't actually be dirty.'
A tall, rundown villa intertwined with the entertainment district.
The walls were dog-like thin, so he practically lived with noise, and every facility in sight was rusted and creaked.
It was understandable that the 1st-class citizens who only lived in the clean central area would point fingers and call it dirty.
Still, he couldn't go to work looking like a real beggar, so he had to make this much effort.
The laundry, which had absorbed a lot of water because the old washing machine couldn't spin it dry properly, was incredibly heavy.
"Oof."
The stairs creaked with every step.
The man, who had returned home with the laundry basket, headed straight for the veranda.
The weather was still quite chilly as the air hadn't completely warmed up yet, and the man, wondering 'what the hell is the temperature for it to be like this,' pulled out his phone.
"...."
1:24 AM.
"…Huh."
As the man looked at his phone, a couple came into his view. Beyond the veranda, his gaze fell below.
"What, at this hour."
His voice automatically became quieter.
Perhaps because it was a residential area built jointly with the entertainment district, there were often animal bastards who came into the deep alleys to quickly take care of business at late hours.
But fortunately, it didn't seem to be that kind of atmosphere.
The man, looking at the two men and women who looked surprisingly sober, thought.
'The man seems to be a Hunter. Isn't that the Gita Orphanage? He seems to have business there, but… why in an empty, abandoned house with no monsters?'
And then, the man saw.
"...."
A cat-shaped jewel that made a chillingly beautiful cry.
"…Uh…."
And the young souls who walked out of the abandoned building one by one at that bell-like cry.
"Uh, uh."
The one who ruled over them all.
"─…."
A priest.
'…No, a Tamer?'
Before he could organize his thoughts any further, the man could tell that his eyes had met with the platinum-blonde Hunter.
At that moment, his breath caught.
"...."
A long time passed, and the man realized that everything had vanished as if it had never happened, and that he was sitting collapsed on the veranda.
"…Uh, what, what was that?"
He couldn't remember clearly what he had seen.
He was sure their eyes had met, but the memory in between was hazy.
'Fuck, they said Hunters were scary…. Our eyes just met and I almost pissed myself.'
It seemed he had a brief panic from making eye contact with a very strong Hunter.
The man, who knew that such things sometimes happened, accepted the situation without any suspicion and soon picked up his phone with his hands, which were damp with cold sweat.
The poor-quality phone was heavy and sluggish, but even considering that, the man's hand holding the phone was trembling excessively.
"…What, what ghosts in the world."
When he turned on the phone, he saw notifications silently filling the screen.
They were from a local community he was a member of, and the man instinctively realized that this quiet commotion stemmed from the recent incident.
'I wasn't the only one who saw it.'
It wasn't a hallucination.
With trembling hands, he typed a title to post on the community frequented by his neighborhood people.
I saw it clearly with my own two eyes (photo attached)
It was a freaking big ball launched by 'Mr. Seo Jio.'
***
A traditional characteristic of Korea that has been around since before the Great Catastrophe.
-??? What did I just see??
An internet powerhouse.
– A ghost appeared in Gwanak-gu at dawn
– Has anyone seen a ghost in Daehak-dong??
– What's with the kitty cry
– ffs i saw a ghost
Even if the world ended and came back to life, the SNS and communities of Koreans were alive and well.
– That place was already talked about a lot
– Guys, is this about the Gi○ Orphanage?
↳ Just say Gita Orphanage, there's no point in blurring it
– Why is everyone talking about ghosts
– What's all this fuss about in the morning
Perhaps because the world had been turned upside down once, there was a strong perception that the residents of a region were practically one family.
When an incident occurred, it was a kind of etiquette for the residents of that area to share it.
Because of that, the Gwanak-gu community that 'Hunter Seo Jio' had visited was in an uproar.
"Hey, they say a ghost appeared in Gwanak-gu."
"Isn't that crazy."
The rumor spread quickly throughout the area.
I saw it clearly with my own two eyes (photo attached)
I am the one who saw that ghost, you Gwanak-gu country bumpkins.
There are so many people asking via email, so I'm summarizing it here.
Time of sighting "1:24 AM" .
The reason I remember it in such detail is because I was hanging the goddamn laundry.
I set an alarm for 1 AM and definitely woke up, but I overslept.
It was 22 minutes when I just woke up and looked at my phone.
I went to the veranda to hang the laundry, but it was too cold, so I turned on my phone to check the temperature and it was 24 minutes.
I've said this much, so I hope there are no crazies who suspect it's a fabrication.
I don't want to reveal my address in this dangerous world, but it seems everyone who needs to know already knows.
Yeah, you bastards, my house is in Daehak-dong.
Anyone who lives in or has visited Daehak-dong knows that the houses are all crammed together.
And you guys who know things know about the four-way intersection between those houses.
For those who don't know, just imagine a slum alley in Gwanak-gu where the beggars live together.
There's an orphanage there called the 'Gita Orphanage'.
I think it's affiliated with the government or the association, but it doesn't seem to get much support?
Why? Because if it received good support, they wouldn't have built an orphanage in a place like this.
I love my home, but fuck, I have to admit it's a bit gloomy.
This is no place for a kid to live, but there were a shit ton of kids, right?
No money, right? The Ugly Duckling, no doubt, right?
But there was a fire here a while ago and they all died.
Fuck fuck because of that, our villa also suffered some damage.
At least with the kids around, the gloomy atmosphere of our neighborhood was a little better.
But since it became a haunted house, it's gotten about three hundred and sixty times gloomier.
Alright, you country bumpkins, here's the main point.
I said I went out to the veranda to hang the laundry, right?
I knew damn well there wouldn't be a single person at that hour, but there were two people.
And what's more, it was a woman and a man, so I was worried they weren't going to do some foolishness here, you bastards.
There are more than one or two animal bastards who come to the alleys to do their business when they're in a hurry, so I was super nervous.
But the atmosphere didn't seem to be like that.
Seeing them call him Hunter, Hunter, it seems one of them was a hunter
And what's with the cat??? It was a cat or something, it was so sparkly and pretty
And I heard a cat's cry.
Ah fuck, how should I put this.
It was something that made your soul tremble, something so damn ticklish….. there was something.
Like goosebumps all over your body?
Wow, it was a cry that made you think something was really going to happen.
Even the ghostly wails that took our coolness last summer weren't that scary.
Yeah, fuck, I was scared as hell.
And the cat kept crying.
And the kids were crying like hell too.
Kids? What kids, you ask?
This is the majesty of a 'ghost,' you Gwanak-gu country bumpkins
As I listened, I thought, huh, something's fishy?
Something's strange?
And then the "meow" sounds started to become more diverse.
Instinctively, the super weak me hid myself and peeked down.
And I saw kids with normal appearances crawling out of the orphanage that had become an abandoned building.
I saw it clearly with my own two eyes, you bastards.
Fuck, I realized this is what a ghost is.
Even when the 1st-class bastards talked about souls and what not, I was like, what nonsense is that.
But wow, I guess the hunter bastards really do see souls, I guess there really are things like that in the world.
If you just look with your eyes, they really… really just looked like kids who were alive and well.
But as soon as I saw them, I got a feeling.
Those kids are the ones who died in the fire this time.
And that cat called them out.
And its owner is that blonde hunter.
All sorts of thoughts were running through my head.
I couldn't even breathe.
My whole body was trembling, and I knew for sure it wasn't because it was cold.
I got goosebumps all over my spine, it was that creepy, but it wasn't a gloomy or sticky feeling.
It was more like the thrill you feel when you see something incredibly huge and beautiful.
And the feeling of being completely overwhelmed.
A mesmerizing feeling.
I couldn't take a picture of the kids coming out.
They disappeared quickly.
But it wasn't that their existence itself disappeared.
It was more like I was given permission to see the dead souls for a moment.
And I felt like the permitted time ended quickly.
I think that cat did something, but I'm a 2nd-class country bumpkin, I don't know about that stuff.
The woman next to the hunter who owned the cat was a country bumpkin like me, she was so surprised she collapsed on the ground.
But fuck, I was collapsed on the ground too lolololol....
When I came to my senses, I was sitting flop on the veranda floor, my hands and feet trembling.
Fuck, I feel like I might have made eye contact with that hunter.
Anyway, it was fucking scary.
I understand the woman's feelings a hundred times over.
It was like this even though I saw it from so far away, how scary would it be to see it in person.
That cat seemed like a monster, was the hunter a Tamer?
I couldn't see exactly what he looked like because he was far away.
I took a picture, so take a look.
His face isn't showing, so don't give me that bullshit about portrait rights.
Yeah, fabrication parrots, screw you.
A single photo was attached to the community post.
Whether it was because his hands and feet were trembling as the post's content suggested, or because the phone camera's performance was low, it was a very blurry photo.
However, even with just that, the blonde hunter and the collapsed woman mentioned by the poster could be identified.
The community was once again in an uproar over the photo, which seemed to have been taken from a high position.
Comments(149)
– Why is this not a fabrication??
– Then he must have been a hunter with a soul-related skill
↳ Why would a hunter with such a high-class skill come to…? Gwanak-gu….?
↳ I agree, at that level, he's definitely not a clumsy hunter
– The cat is so cute
↳ Look at its size, is that cute? We'd be a single bite
– Is that an Anticat, are you crazy
– The woman flopping down is so funny lolololol
↳ fr the Thump Woman….
↳ Ah, the Thump Woman, I'm crying right now
↳ Thump Woman, are you crazy lololol
– Isn't that an Anticat?????
↳ Excuse me, but what is an Anticat? Is that the cat's name?
↳↳ OP of comment: It's a cat-type monster that inhabits a dungeon called the Vein of Jewels or something
↳ ? Was the Anticat a tameable mob??
↳ No, Anticats are only as big as kittens, you armchair experts need to stop crawling out
↳ They're spouting bullshit when they don't even know anything
↳ Acting like they know so much
– If it's a soul-related skill, is he a priest? It has a Solar Cult vibe for some reason….
– No, why is such a precious hunter in such a humble neighborhood….???
– Blonde priestis crazy, huff huff
↳ Pervert blocked
↳ Even if he's a hunter, is it right to be panting openly like that?;; Seriously losing my faith in humanity
↳ Let's keep the line, even if they're a public figure
↳↳ OP of comment: I don't care
↳ He has a super handsome vibe, I can't see his face but I can feel his handsomeness
↳ Hey, how is he as tall as a streetlight, that's crazy
– If he's a priest, isn't it illegal for him to have a monster with him??
– He doesn't seem to be a priest, seeing how tame the monster is, he's a Tamer, yep
↳ Right, if it wasn't tamed, Gwanak-gu would have already burned down
– What's an Anticat?
– Anyone who knows the priest's name…. Please....
– Is the Thump Woman not going to verify herself lolololol
– 25 years of being a face-worshipper, I'm telling you that hunter is a hottie, hand over the personal information obediently
– ffs why aren't the reporters working
↳ Couldn't he be an unofficial hunter?? He's such an unexpected new face
↳ They only shut up when it's necessary, those trash reporters
↳ Are there any blonde Tamers? There aren't many Tamers in the country, but this is the first time I've seen a blonde one
↳ Isn't that silver hair???
– But for real, if he's a new Tamer, isn't this a legendary national pride moment?
– Why would a Tamer… deal with a ghost….?? Really, why….??
– I wish any hunter would come out and explain
– lolololol so is it a fabrication or not
↳ You think?
↳ Our poster got mad because of people like you…..
↳ FabricationParrotsOUT
By that time the incident had spread not just in Gwanak-gu but throughout the entire Seoul community.
"It should be fine now."
"Uh… uh…."
"Would you please post it?"
"Is it really okay to post it?"
"It is a matter that has been permitted by the Collectors."
"Wow."
The woman who was the subject of the ghost commotion that day posted a photo in the community.
This is the Thump Woman from the Gwanak-gu ghost commotion.
To explain….
It was a two-shot taken with Hunter Seo Jio.
Unlike the previous authenticator, the photo taken with permission was very clear, and while the woman's face was covered with a sticker, Hunter Seo Jio's face was shown as it was.
The content of the post was brief.
A country-toppling beauty
That was the end of it.
Comments(1,623)
– Country-toppling beauty, are you crazy
– Why is he handsome? Why is he handsome? Why is he handsome? Why is he handsome? Why is he handsome? Why is he handsome? Why is he handsome? Why is he handsome? Why is he handsome? Why is he handsome? Why is he handsome? Why is he handsome? Why is he handsome? Why is he handsome? Why is he handsome? Why is he handsome? Why is he handsome?
↳ Calm down
– ffs the future of the Republic of Korea is so bright
↳ fr it was forcibly brightened….
– The body of the post is super short, but no other words are needed
– It's unfair that I lived for 28 years without knowing this face
– I acknowledge that
– What, he looks like some gisaeng-orabi
↳ fr lol a face that would get a lot of action
↳ (This comment has been deleted due to censorship restrictions)
– Wow, he's really handsome.
– Country-toppling beauty, what nonsense….
– So this is the face that could ruin a country
↳ At this level, it's acceptable even if he ruins it
↳ Ah, are those lips the ones that will be doing the ruining?
↳↳ Please get a grip, you face-worshippers…..
– Hunters are people too, let's not cross the line, everyone
– The comment section is getting so dirty
– Admin, please clean up the comment section!!!
– How can a person be so benevolently handsome
↳ It's just one phrase, 'country-toppling beauty,' how do you know if he's benevolent or not
↳↳ His face is benevolent
The comment section exploded.
"...."
"The reaction is amazing…."
"So it seems."
And Yu Seong-un thought so.
'To blur the point, there's nothing like visual violence.'
As a proud curator, Yu Seong-un fully acknowledged the beauty possessed by 'Jio's Portrait.'
Seeing that the atmosphere seemed to be rolling along not too badly, Yu Seong-un gave his characteristic impassive smile.
"Thank you for your cooperation."
"Ah, no. I'd be glad if I was of help."
"As I mentioned before, all of Ms. Choi Ra-on's personal information will be protected."
"Still, there are people who manage to find out…."
"We will take measures to ensure that no problems arise with your personal safety due to this cooperation."
"I-if you would do that, I would be grateful."
"You just signed the contract. Do you have any other questions?"
"Excuse me."
The subject of the incident, who had come to be called the 'Thump Woman,' Choi Ra-on, asked with a grim face.
"Can I create a fan cafe?"
"…I believe that is up to the freedom of the citizens."
"Ah, it's just, if Hunter Seo Jio might dislike it, I won't do it."
"I will ask about that matter separately and then contact you."
"If I get permission, can it become an official fan cafe?"
"That part too… I will ask."
"Thank you…!"
"No, not at all."
Yu Seong-un thought to himself.
'Should I schedule some external activities soon?'
I should ride the good momentum just as interest is focusing.
'I don't know what level of intensity would be an appropriate position for Jio.'
That said, he had no intention of putting Jio on broadcasts.
It seemed he didn't want excessive attention, and he seemed to have a reluctance to act as a celebrity, so if possible, he planned to keep him in the underground category.
'Though it'll be difficult to remain an unofficial hunter now that things have come to this.'
But well, that was what he had wanted.
"...."
A dungeon conquest would be a decent first activity.
'…I think there was a pretty good dungeon scheduled for conquest that other religious orders or guilds were holding onto….'
Anyway, that part was no longer Yu Seong-un's job.
'I need to go and hand over the duties right now.'
At the thought of passing the work to Ju-hyeon, Yu Seong-un felt warm and fuzzy.
-x-X-x-
There were several people here who recognized 'Seo Jio Hunter'.
– It's Seo Jio Hunter
– Seo Jio Hunter ,crying, Are you finally showing your face
– Our Hunter is a public figure now anyway so there
They were civilians who had received help during the S-Class Dungeon 'Temple of the Deep Sea' incident.
– Is that Hunter's name Seo Jio?
↳ Yesyesyesyesyes He said he was a Tamer back then too
– OP come check if this is right
– Is it right to just post that one beauty which can ruin a nation picture
↳ If you're gonna share, share everything
– Hey why isn't anything coming up when I search
– Unofficial Hunters anyway act like they'll die if their faces get known….
– Seo Jio Hunter belongs to The Collectors, is there no reaction from them
↳ Ah The Collectors??? The Collectors????
↳ ?? That handsome handsome man is from The Collectors??
↳ Did Guild Leader Bisabeol's taste change
↳ No no only his face might be sunshine
↳ How can that smile not be sunshine emanating from his soul
– Why is everyone making a fuss over someone else's face
– The level of Korean citizens, sucking up to anyone with a pretty face ㅉㅉ
↳ Swhocares
And soon.
Sunshine Necromancy Hunter's info is up on The Collectors
Title says it all
'Seo Jio Hunter's' personal information was officially posted on The Collectors' homepage.
– What's a Sunshine Necromancy Hunter?
↳ OP They said he's a sunshine handsome man but he's the Hunter who caused the ghost commotion, so I had nothing to say
↳ It's not that you had nothing to say, looks like you had too much
↳ Not Descent but Necromancy, that's weirdly funny
↳ SunshineNecromancyHunter
↳ Ah stop giving our Hunter weird names
↳↳ ?What the, they're nuts
↳↳ Since when was he 'our Hunter'
People who read the post soon rushed to The Collectors' homepage and confirmed that the poster's words were true.
This was because a photo as clear as that of the previous certified person, Choi Ra-on, had been uploaded.
And some people were baffled.
– Hey but why are they only telling us this much
– It's my first time fangirling a Hunter, is it normally like this
↳ It's not;;
↳ Ignore the comment above, Hunters are usually stingy with their info
↳ That's right, it's common for Hunters not to reveal personal info
This was because the only information provided was his name, height, and age, but since it was a tradition for Korean Hunters to not reveal personal information, most people understood and moved on.
However, there were people who were excited.
Does this mean we can openly fangirl now?
Did the country just acknowledge my fangirling??
It was mannered to avoid bothering unofficial Hunters or underground-type Hunters as much as possible, but that line was bound to collapse quickly if official activities became frequent.
Those who had been watching Seo Jio since the 'Temple of the Deep Sea' rejoiced.
Among them was Choi Ra-on, who had been teased all day at work as the 'Thump Woman'.
'A face like this won't come again in my lifetime.'
Having returned home from work, she twitched her itching hands.
"A fan cafe… If I make a fan cafe… I can get photos and schedules shared…."
What was on Choi Ra-on's worn-out computer screen was a two-shot photo taken with Seo Jio Hunter.
It was a scene that looked quite gloomy late at night, but she was rather desperate.
'…A face like this is rare, but a personality like this with a face like this is even rarer.'
The reason Korea managed to maintain public order wasn't because Koreans were inherently good, but because all sorts of strict laws and novel punishments made them good; thus, it was an era where the average morality was so low that the objectification of humans was taken for granted.
As such, the personalities of public figures who could be the target of someone's fangirling were not the same as before the Great Catastrophe.
Especially for Hunters, it was a world where if they were popular enough, they could kill someone in broad daylight and people would just say 'It happens' and move on.
Of course, there were many Hunters who endured their rotten personalities and continued to act kind and gentle for the sake of that popularity, but Choi Ra-on was confident.
'I know a bit about face reading, and this well is the real deal…. He's real clear water, barely dragged up from deep underground.'
Her intuition, honed from fangirling numerous celebrities and Hunters, was telling her.
This was an exclusive scoop she couldn't miss.
A Natural Monument.
There was even a sort of sense of duty stemming from it.
'Maybe my encounter with Hunter that day was actually fate.'
It was a 100% pure handmade destiny crafted by Jio himself, but Choi Ra-on didn't realize that.
The platinum blond hair on the screen, perhaps because it was taken under a yellow streetlight, almost looked like silver hair.
The wavy hair looked as soft as silk, and the smile, which radiated warmth just by looking at it, truly resembled the sunshine.
"Such a fucking insane face…."
Choi Ra-on, who had seen him up close, recalled that moment.
The cool atmosphere that seemed to carry the scent of a forest, and the refreshing smile of a fine man when he saw her off at the end.
'Right, this is the core of it.'
What was hidden inside Seo Jio Hunter, whom she thought was a gentle priest, was none other than the refreshing citrus scent of a sports team captain.
"Ha."
In an already harsh life, one needed light and salt to endure it.
'My last light and salt went to rock bottom after a huge personality controversy.'
Because Hunters had to live such rough lives, quite a few of them found it difficult to avoid personality controversies.
Most cases were exaggerated, but it couldn't be helped that their hearts grew weary from being the subject of gossip.
'I know I'm pickier than other people… but what can I do when my heart grows cold the moment I'm disappointed by my baby's personality.'
Choi Ra-on was the type of person whose affection rapidly cooled if she saw a flaw in the personality of 'my baby' she believed in.
For instance, if she saw them bullying someone else, or killing someone for a trivial reason.
Before the Great Catastrophe, it was absurd for even ordinary people, let alone public figures, to commit such acts, but this was the era after the Great Catastrophe.
The moral standards Choi Ra-on expected were on the stricter side.
"…No, it's not like I committed a sin. Right? A person can be a little picky."
As a result, Choi Ra-on naturally had a large number of targets she had once fangirled over. This was because her heart left the moment she saw a flaw in their personality.
Her last light and salt had even been a case taken away by none other than the Black Cape.
While the majority of fans still liked and waited for such a guy, Choi Ra-on, no matter what, couldn't bring herself to stand a motherfucker certified by a monster that liked good people and hated bad people.
"..."
Choi Ra-on, who was staring intently at the computer screen as if to bore holes in it, muttered quietly.
"…But with a face like this…."
Even if his personality had some flaws, she felt like she'd just find it thrilling and let it go.
"…Right, how hard must it be living as a Hunter. Things like that can happen when you live."
Most fans whose main focus was fangirling Hunters didn't have their hearts cool just because of a few controversies.
In truth, Choi Ra-on was an unusual case.
This was because, due to the nature of the Hunter profession, a person couldn't always use nice words and perform nice actions.
However, the limit to Choi Ra-on's tolerance for 'my baby's' flaws lay in the target's face and conduct.
To be precise, it was mostly in the face.
'In that sense….'
She felt she wouldn't be able to let go of this light and salt even if 66 personality controversies erupted in a row.
With this face, having such a personality would just mean the gods were being fair.
'But what if his personality is also excellent?'
That would be a Natural Monument that would never come again.
"I wish some new content would drop soon."
In front of the monitor, Choi Ra-on smiled warmly.
***
Meanwhile, Ju-hyeon, who had taken over the duties, was a little flustered.
"Are you really handing over the work to me at this particular time?"
"I'm busy enough handling just the 'Black Cape'. And as you know, 'Mr. Seo Jio' is your responsibility, Mr.Ju-hyeon."
"The Collectors started this mess, why are you doing this to me?"
"If you were part of The Collectors, you would have been even busier than this. It's a shame."
"No, Mr. Yu Seong-un."
"It can't be helped."
Yu Seong-un expressed his regrets as he handed over documents detailing reactions from various communities.
"I stepped in this time because this task required major adjustments, but from now on, when 'Seo Jio Hunter' conducts external activities, you must be by his side, Mr.Ju-hyeon."
"Because a Hunter and a Manager must be tied together as a set. I know that, but…."
"It seems you learned well from the Secretary's office and as you know, this is the time when there's the most buzz, and when attention is most focused and I am an unofficial underground Hunter."
An unofficial Hunter refers to a Hunter who does not publicly reveal their identity, and an underground-type Hunter refers to a Hunter who does not operate publicly.
"Someone like me cannot be marked as 'Seo Jio Hunter's' official manager."
He already had no idea how much work there was to do.
"If that really happens, I'll have no choice but to become a sleepless human."
"…Just how much work do you do?"
"Please remember that the more competent a Hunter is, the more they are ground down."
"But I'm a Non-Awakener."
"Seo Jio Hunter isn't."
"Ah."
"The religious orders seem very interesting too…. Collaboration requests will start flooding in soon."
Work comes to high-profile Hunters even if they just stay still.
"As you know, Mr.Ju-hyeon."
"Yes, I learned that, of course."
Since he could be the 'face', broadcast stations might contact him, and as one of the few Tamers in the country had newly appeared, requests for collaborative conquests might come in to verify his abilities.
Yu Seong-un laughed awkwardly.
"The Secretary's office will take care of cutting off the trivial contacts. They'll handle matters not even worth relaying to Seo Jio Hunter, but you will have to deliver the rest yourself, Mr.Ju-hyeon."
At that, Ju-hyeon asked.
"I've been wondering, how am I supposed to go find 'Seo Jio Hunter'…?"
"I have already finished discussing that part with Jio."
"Could I hear what exactly you finished discussing?"
"That Jio will stop by our apartment hallway at 12 o'clock sharp every day…."
"..."
Ju-hyeon smiled in resignation.
"Guild Leader Bisabeol has finally decided to dispose of me, I see."
"Noo, it's not like that, please calm down. It ended up this way for a reason."
"I would very much like to hear that story."
"In the first place, humans have no way of contacting Jio."
It would be ridiculous for a mere human to contact a god whenever they wanted.
"To explain it a bit more simply, we can't install a phone in Jio's house."
"That is true. It would be a completely different dimension."
"That's why I also used to meet Jio at a set time."
Around 4 AM.
"Other than that, if Jio wanted to summon me, I would receive a letter and travel that way."
"I receive letters too, but I can't interpret them, and above all, I don't think I can go to The Collectors' Gallery…."
"It would be difficult for you, a Non-Awakener, to withstand the aura of the 5th basement floor Gallery."
"So, did you arrange for Mr. Jio to come here instead?"
Ju-hyeon asked with his characteristic affable smile.
"It's not that Guild Leader hasn't given up on his roommate dream?"
"Regarding that part, I truly have no excuse."
Yu Seong-un smiled bitterly.
"I'm in Unit 1, you're in Unit 2, and Jio is in the hallway between us… Perfect."
"Is it really okay for The Collectors to occupy the 46th floor like this?"
"We have already purchased all the residences on the 46th floor, so there are no legal issues."
"But now an evil god or a monster is entering that multi-unit housing."
"Jio always went anywhere he pleased. The law can't do anything about that."
"Ah, that's not wrong, but ah."
Ju-hyeon felt a little frustrated.
"I feel like I've become responsible for part of the world's overthrow…."
"It could be an overthrow in a good way."
"You're not denying the 'overthrow' part itself."
"It's just a possibility, it might not be realized, so don't worry too much."
"I'm getting more anxious."
"It will be fine."
Yu Seong-un showed an easygoing smile.
"Because there won't be anyone stopping by the 46th-floor hallway at 12 o'clock sharp, usually."
It was an apartment with only two units per floor. Anyone visiting a place that wasn't their home at 12 o'clock, of all times, could be seen as having impure motives.
"So even if an accident happens, we can just brush it off as self-defense."
"What on earth are you planning to brush off?"
"This is the power that a conglomerate holds."
Yu Seong-un let out a laugh.
"And in the first place, even via the stairs, no one can visit that floor unless they are a resident of that unit."
"Ah, that's the same as the elevator. I didn't know the stairs worked that way too."
"It's a fact most people who haven't used the stairs themselves don't know. But the stairs also require the unit's card key to enter."
"Then there won't be any victims who faint from accidentally running into the Black Cape."
"That would have to be seen as bullshit disguised as a mistake. Because it's impossible for an innocent person to enter this floor without being determined to do so."
Of course, the apartment manager or regular maintenance technicians could enter anytime, but that never happened at 12 o'clock sharp.
As it was a thoroughly managed apartment, they wouldn't leave any room to disturb the residents' rest in the slightest.
"So I meant you shouldn't worry too much."
"Eum, I understand."
"Thanks to this, my meeting time with Jio has also been moved up."
"Ah, you too, Mr. Yu Seong-un, at 12 o'clock…?"
"Guild Leader said it would be convenient to handle it all at once."
"…That…."
"It is bullshit."
Bisabeol was a superior Yu Seong-un respected, but what needed to be said had to be said.
"It seems he wants the three of us to become closer."
"Can I resist with all my might."
"I think you'll be fine regardless. Let's hang in there together."
And so, in a place where the man himself was absent, Seo Jio's Hunter life was being decided.
-x-X-x-
And Jio had no thoughts at all.
"The Mangdung Fruit dried out too much again."
"Kkung."
"This is all because there are too many suns."
How could there be three suns under the sky?
"This isn't right."
He was screaming in despair in front of the Mangdung Fruit, which had taken on a form like gold.
"We're too warm."
Giovanni, who held the divinity of the sun.
The teddy bear contains the former Sun God and Honey, the light attribute-evolved water bird who had received the love of both.
The fruits in the cabin, where three suns large and small resided, dried out in an instant.
"We must overturn this divinity right now."
"Kkungkkungkkung…!!"
"Kkuu…!!"
Leaving behind the water bird and the teddy bear, who were trying to stop the pig who gets angry when he can't eat delicious things, Dana stretched out, peacefully giving herself a cat wash.
The toasty warm house, full of sun, was no different from a celestial paradise to her.
Jio collapsed in the yard.
"Grandmother, I'm sorry. This potato has now become a fool who can't even dry a single fruit properly."
"Kkuu."
"I am a talking potato. All I know how to do is talk. I think this is my identity."
"Kku…?"
The former Sun God was confused, unable to understand why this son-sun was referring to himself as a potato.
His identity was closer to the sun than a potato, and closer to the Source than that.
At that, Jio, gathering his sorrow, swept up the hardened Mangdung Fruits like Net bag grandma and spoke.
"I also know well that I don't resemble a potato."
It was something I admitted whenever the thought crossed my mind, but I didn't seem to be as harmless as one either.
A real potato can't turn people into paint.
"I resemble the silkie chicken in the yard a little more than a potato. Being all black…."
"Kkurururu."
"You seem to like it because it's the same avian species, Honey. I should try painting a feather cape next time."
If one had to compare him, who had enjoyed wearing all black since his Seo Jio days, one would definitely have to find something entirely black.
"It's even more so these days because I've been coveting shiny things thanks to Mr. Argio."
Or maybe the soot from the fire pit or a crow the size of a house.
Even to Jio's eyes, it seemed difficult to find a connection between him and a potato.
Nevertheless, the reason he couldn't let go of the potato lay in his childhood.
"This is all because of the elders."
To the residents of the mountain village in Gangwon-do, Jio was just a high-functioning potato who spoke well.
It wasn't that Seo Jio lacked self-awareness.
It was impossible not to, when teaching high school students who were so full of energy they were practically exploding.
Besides, he didn't exactly have a harmless impression.
"It's a little funny, but."
People treated Seo Jio as a very special great man even if he just breathed, doing nothing in particular.
It seemed they thought he did something even when he did nothing, and what that 'something' was, nobody, including Seo Jio, knew.
I didn't know why they acted that way, but I remembered just leaving them be because it was funny to watch.
"I think everyone finds me too difficult."
"Kkuuuu…."
"That's why I keep going on about potatoes, at least in my mind."
To remind myself that I was just one ordinary human who wasn't anything special.
"The rebellious psychology of humans."
If you all hadn't found me difficult in such an interesting way, I wouldn't have had to go on about potatoes.
Seo Jio knew well how un-special of a human he was.
He knew how to do a lot of miscellaneous things, his grades were decent, and he had a decent number of friends, but that didn't mean he was perfect in every field as people around him imagined.
"I'm such an ordinary person, but everyone treated me like a very special being."
On top of that, his face was exceptionally handsome, so people around him often perceived him as a very difficult existence.
Jio knew that was a ridiculous misunderstanding, but other people didn't.
"Only the elders of our mountain village saw through my fleeting essence."
So the nickname potato was all the more welcome.
"It feels stable."
It was, so to speak, a spiritual hometown.
"It's a bit funny how everyone gets flustered just by looking at my expression, but…."
"Kku??"
"I get scared that I might really mistake myself for being something special because of that, you know."
"Kku, kkuu."
"No, I'm not special."
Seo Jio knew his place.
"I'm ordinary."
He was just a commoner with bizarre social skills.
"..."
"..."
Jio, confirming the teddy bear's wavering gaze, nodded.
I thought I knew what it was imagining and fearing. But it was a misunderstanding.
"…Even if it's me, I don't go outside and grandly shout 'I am a potato'."
"Kku."
"It's not just that I don't shout it, I just don't say it. I know full well it would sound like I've lost my mind."
How embarrassing.
Jio was very fond of the other identity of 'potato' given to him by the peaceful mountain village elders, but that was that, and this was this.
Jio, an introverted human who loved his homebody life most in the world, still had to live a social life.
"I only act this impudently inside the house. Outside, I am always living well with polite and courteous conduct. You don't have to worry that your son will act immaturely in society."
Just as there are many grandchildren in South Korea who are treated like poop puppies, those grandchildren don't claim they are poop puppies in public.
Even elementary schoolers don't do that, and as a 29-year-old dark man, I had no intention of doing so.
"Kkungkung?"
"Why am I a middle-aged man?"
"Kkururu."
"That's what it means to be almost 30."
There was an ambiguous feeling to being called a youth.
"It feels a bit ambiguous to be called a middle-aged man since my age still has a 2 in the tens place, but…."
For now, as a portrait, I wasn't adding more years just because the year changed, but nevertheless, due to the various special circumstances surrounding him, Jio felt like being a middle-aged man was correct.
"My current self is also 32 years old, so I think a middle aged man is correct."
"Kkung…?"
"Or not, if it's 24 plus 32 plus 29, am I just in the elderly…?"
In any case, it was a situation where my conscience pricked at being called just a youth.
"Anyway, what should I do with all these Mangdung Fruits?"
What else could I do?
"I guess I'll just have to make Blood Dumplings."
Elixir Recipe: Make a powder from the thoroughly dried fruit, mix it with the juice of Rurupu to make a dough, form dumplings, and dry them in a dark place for at least a week to create a medicine good for bleeding and its recovery.
"I need to go get some more Rurupu."
At the mention of Rurupu, Dana, who had been lounging, raised her body.
Perhaps influenced by the clear day, she sported a clear blue tint, unlike her appearance from the previous night, which was like the Milky Way.
Dana sparkled with a light bluish light and bumped her head against Jio's calf.
"Meungmangmang…."
"Dad's going to use this batch to make medicine."
"Ae-aek."
"Ah, you just want to go together."
"Aek-ong."
"Then let's do that."
The giant cat Dana often served as a reliable escort.
***
Meanwhile, there was another place stirring because of 'Seo Jio Hunter's' existence.
"I didn't know the Anticat had such an ability."
"Hoho, it's truly remarkable. To let one see souls…."
"It's not a certain matter, so I believe a review is necessary."
It was none other than the Solar Cult and the Lady Moon Cult.
Religions that worshiped traditional gods basically followed providence, and naturally, they were very interested in the birth and death of life and these two were the religions closest to funerals, even before the cult of death.
"By the way, I heard that the monster called Anticat does not tame easily."
At the words of one elder priest, a younger priest chimed in.
"Yes, I looked into it, and it's said to be a difficult monster that even Tamers can't handle."
"Is that result based on all cases, not just domestic Tamers but overseas as well?"
"Yes. They say this is the first successful case of taming an Anticat globally."
"This is something that would be coveted overseas as well…."
"It seems there's already been a commotion among the Tamers."
A Tamer's authority and honor depended on how many, and how varied and difficult, types of monsters they tamed.
If it was true that he tamed an Anticat, the Hunter named Seo Jio would gain quite a high-quality reputation.
"I heard that Anticats don't even give humans a chance to approach in the first place."
"I'm not familiar with that field, so I'm asking, but can't they be captured by force?"
"It's said that if you get on its bad side, it burns everything around it."
"What about a Hunter with fire resistance…."
"They say it's a soul-burning flame, so it's difficult even for Hunters with high resistance."
"My goodness, a soul-burning flame, you say."
The priests, who couldn't help but be sensitive to the topic of souls, stirred.
"I would like to get a glimpse of that power, would it be possible?"
"It won't be easy, as he's a talent The Collectors have hidden away carefully."
"He seems to be a Hunter who receives all of the Collector's love… We'd get in big trouble if we approached him carelessly."
"But don't we need to verify the authenticity of that ability?"
"How would we have the authority to determine that authenticity?"
"Ahem, my apologies. I got ahead of myself."
The command authority over a Hunter always belonged to the guild they were affiliated with, and interfering with that meant picking a subtle fight with that guild.
The Solar Cult did not want to get into such a power struggle with one of South Korea's 3 Great Guilds.
"I understand how you feel. If the Anticat truly has the power to interfere with souls…."
"It could be a great help when the cult's priests are mobilized for funeral masses."
"It will also be a great help to the Solar Cult's image. The cult's prestige has diminished significantly recently due to the dungeon opening incident."
"The prospective priests are still anxious, I hear."
"Isn't it precisely at times like these that we must show the cult's strengths and honor, so that the prospective priests and followers can be at ease?"
Another elder priest expressed his disapproval.
"But isn't it the Tamer, not the priest, who can handle the Anticat. Even if the Anticat's ability is real, the cult won't be able to tame that child…."
"Couldn't we receive some help from the Hunter named Seo Jio for that part? I hear he displayed healing powers close to the sun during the 'Kingdom of the Deep Sea' incident, so his feelings toward our cult probably aren't bad. Even if he was caught up in such an incident, faith is…."
"No, look here everyone. The problem isn't that his feelings aren't bad, shouldn't we be worried about turning good feelings bad? I hear he's been living as an unofficial Hunter until now because he dislikes attention so much."
"Seeing him openly reveal his face now must mean he's thinking of living as a public Hunter. That said, I also agree that there's no need to earn Seo Jio Hunter's dislike. If that ability is real, we must approach him as politely as possible."
"More than anything, I…."
A middle-aged priest continued.
"I believe his ability is real."
"How did you come to think so?"
"Is he not the Collector's Hunter, of all people?"
"Aha, indeed…."
"He is not a man who would show favoritism for no reason."
The Collector Bisabeol's tastes were widely known, and if there was one basic condition, it was 'to be competent and diligent'.
There was no way that man, with his discerning eye, would dote on a Hunter full of hot air like that.
"True, if Guild Leader Bisabeol acknowledged him…."
"Then we have no choice but to believe it."
"What can we trust, if not the Collector's eye?"
Isn't he a man whose collection is his purpose in life?
"But I still don't know about his exact abilities."
"Trying to snatch up another's Hunter's abilities without any effort would be a nasty fellow's mindset."
"Th-that is true, but…."
It was an extremely rude act to completely dig into an innocent Hunter's personal information when you weren't even their guild leader.
Information like what his exact abilities were, what skills he used, and what his grade was.
"Now that things have turned out this way, what's to be known will be known in due time."
The elder priests knew how to read the flow.
"He showed his face, and a guild as big as The Collectors could not control it… That means they are ready to show the Hunter named Seo Jio to the world."
"Isn't a dungeon the best stage to debut a Hunter? It's not a world without dungeons to conquer, nor is it a world without guilds curious about his abilities…."
"If there isn't a suitable place, we can offer one. Why don't we request a collaboration for the conquest of the dungeon previously discovered in Gangwon-do?"
"Anyway, the truth of Hunter Seo's abilities will be known soon enough. Hoho, if possible, I am truly curious about the ability of that child called the Anticat."
The priests who said so then looked at one young priest.
"..."
Priest Kang Seo-dam, who had once gone on a dungeon conquest with 'Seo Jio Hunter', secretly gritted his teeth.
'O Sun.'
Please grant this priest the courage to endure the given ordeal.
-x-X-x-
12 o'clock sharp, when most of the citizens had collapsed from fatigue, in the hallway of an apartment in Seoul.
"Is this really the right way to do this?"
Ju-hyeon harbored doubts about this form of meeting, which was truly rare to find in modern society.
"Setting up two makeshift chairs in the apartment hallway, facing a portrait hanging on the opposite wall?"
"What's wrong, there's even a table, it's nice. This is a table made by our Guild."
"It's certainly nice that the semi-circular table makes it feel like Mr. Jio is here with us."
"Isn't he actually here, not just like he's here?"
"Because he hasn't come out of the picture frame separately."
Ju-hyeon smiled bitterly.
"It has to be in the form of a picture frame, so it feels strange, like we're having a conversation with a funeral portrait."
To that, the portrait itself replied.
"In a sense, I am indeed a funeral portrait."
Yu Seong-un refuted that.
"No, Jio is a portrait, not a photo."
"Regarding that point, Mr. Yu Seong-un's opinion is correct."
"Of course, 'Jio's Portrait' might not be the usual portrait, but a different portrait .The portrait used when holding the first funeral rites."
"That seems to be a witty guess."
"We are discussing your identity, do you have anything to add?"
"I would like to say that I respect all diversity."
And Ju-hyeon thought.
'What is this conversation?'
It was a high-quality conversation that naturally brought out a business smile.
"Is there really no risk of this conversation of ours leaking to the outside?"
"As I mentioned before, Mr. Ju-hyeon."
Yu Seong-un gave a reliable, dependable smile.
"This is an expensive apartment."
"That's right."
"It's also an apartment that would break the back of any Hunter whose finances aren't considerably solid."
"I suppose so."
"If this were a place that leaked information while taking that money, it would have already burned down and vanished."
"That makes sense."
Ju-hyeon, who had readily agreed, pointed to the CCTV located in the apartment hallway.
"That has also been taken care of, I assume?"
"For someone who agreed so readily, you're still very suspicious."
Yu Seong-un nodded.
"That part was also handled cleanly a long time ago, so you don't need to worry."
"What part was handled cleanly is precisely what worries me."
"There are many sinister rumors about The Collectors, but as you know, most of them are ghost stories created by our artworks, aren't they?"
"Yes, those parts also continue to worry me."
"The Collectors do not shed innocent blood. It wasn't the kind of handling that would harm the managers, so you can truly rest assured."
He added.
"We simply reached an agreement with money, ordinarily."
"Of the countless stories popping into my head, which should I tell first for our conversation to proceed smoothly?"
"It's alright if you don't bother bringing up the stories in your head."
Yu Seong-un preemptively blocked Ju-hyeon's worries.
"Isn't it far better to receive a lot of money and close one's mouth voluntarily, rather than being silenced without receiving money? I can confidently testify that the atmosphere was by no means coercive."
"A world where everything is solved with money… it still leaves a bitter corner in my heart."
"I can't help but sympathize with that. But there's no one in the world who hates money, and ultimately, isn't it important not to cross the line? We resolved it within a mutually agreeable line."
"I didn't mean to find fault with The Collectors' way of handling things…."
"And above all, you might wonder if money is truly enough to ensure silence, but we used a Soul Contract for that part. As long as they don't want to be extorted for various prices, the silence will be certain."
"So, could you please stop saying 'silence' like some illegal Guild?"
It makes the common person listening feel very strange.
"I was a bit flustered by this unfamiliar form of meeting, the first I've seen in my life, but if it's a Soul Contract, I can trust it."
"What exactly is a Soul Contract?"
"Ah, that is…."
At the portrait's question, Ju-hyeon organized his thoughts. It was such obvious common sense that, for a moment, he couldn't think of how to explain it.
"…It is, literally, a contract targeting the soul. Recently, various methods have been used, but if there is a commonality, it is that it utilizes the Awakener's System."
"The Awakener's System."
"Because it is a higher-dimensional existence, different from human things that are easily dull and lose meaning. Unless a related clause is added, it is impossible to change the contract's contents midway."
"Are the managers here Awakeners?"
"There are Awakeners, and there are non-Awakeners. However, in the case of a Soul Contract, it can be concluded even if there is only one Awakener involved in the ritual. It's possible even as an officiator, not a party to the contract."
Yu Seong-un added to Ju-hyeon's explanation.
"The manager who contracted with me was an Awakener."
"That is a sufficient explanation."
The portrait nodded.
"Shall we begin the meeting now?"
"Let's."
As Yu Seong-un also nodded, Ju-hyeon opened his mouth.
"Fortunately, in this necromancy commotion, the Hunter industry's main interest has turned toward Miss Dana. It seems largely thanks to having previously said that Hunter Seo Jio was a Tamer. The assertion that it was largely thanks to a monster's help, not the Hunter's own ability, is being accepted most persuasively by the public."
If Jio had done such a thing alone without Dana, it could not have been dismissed as just an 'amazing commotion' like this.
For an individual to summon a spirit with a single gesture is an act beyond the human domain.
Even if skills related to spirits weren't non-existent.
However, the number of Tamers was extremely small, and among them, there was no Tamer who had succeeded in taming an Anticat.
Hearing that the unknown monster, the Anticat, had such an amazing ability related to spirits, people must have somehow accepted it, Ju-hyeon thought.
"In reality, I believe Mr. Jio's help was significant, but the public wouldn't know about those aspects."
In the first place, if 'Jio's Portrait' hadn't allowed it, the kitten-sized Anticat couldn't have grown that much, nor could it have possessed the ability to summon spirits.
Taming a typical Anticat wouldn't allow just anyone to perform eccentric acts like 'Hunter Seo Jio', but for Jio to blend in among humans without raising suspicion, it was better to let it pass like this for now.
"Perhaps because of that…."
Ju-hyeon continued his explanation with his characteristic smile.
"It seems the religious world is paying particular attention to this commotion. The Solar Cult and the Lady Moon Cult, especially, have shown a reaction."
"I have visited the Solar Cult before."
"You must have seen it briefly at the initiation ceremony event. However, that was just a large opening of a prayer space where anyone, besides officials, could freely enter and exit, so your impression will be different if you go further inside."
Ju-hyeon took out a document.
"It's in that context that I'm saying this."
He continued speaking to the portrait.
"A collaboration request came in from the Solar Cult."
"Do they wish to confirm my abilities?"
"It may sound unpleasant, but that is the situation."
Yu Seong-un, who was watching their conversation, was inwardly impressed by Ju-hyeon's calm agreement.
'To be able to answer so nonchalantly, he has nerves of steel.'
It wasn't that Ju-hyeon knew nothing about 'Jio's Portrait'. He had learned information about him with the help of The Collectors' Guild members, including Yu Seong-un, and thanks to being a researcher at the Association, he was well aware of the danger and the sheer scale of his class.
'And yet, that's his reaction.'
Ordinary people would have found it difficult to reply, 'It might be unpleasant, but that's the truth,' to a grand mystery questioning the humans who dared to gauge its abilities.
'He's bold in such a strange way….'
While Yu Seong-un was immersed in his strange impressions, the conversation between the two continued.
"Because right now, people don't know anything about 'Hunter Seo Jio'."
"I am aware that I have provided as many clues as possible about my information."
"Your recognition has certainly increased thanks to the small miracle Mr. Jio performed for the Gita Orphanage."
"It was not enough to be called a miracle."
"Right, it was a type of performance, not a miracle. Thanks to that performance and the collaboration with Curator Yu Seong-un, you are building recognition at an exceptionally fast rate."
However.
"That doesn't mean people have resolved all their questions about 'Hunter Seo Jio'."
"It means their questions have grown even larger."
"Yes, exactly what specialty does this Hunter have? What position does he fill? What has he been doing all this time… The elements people are curious about are overflowing."
Ju-hyeon showed the document sent from the Solar Cult and spoke.
"Considering that, this contact from the Solar Cult could be a big help."
It was a visitation request form from the Solar Cult.
"This is the most common method used when a group wants to size up a famous Hunter. In the case of a Guild, the most common group that manages Hunters, they would have sent an email or a business card."
"Right, it's a kind of friendship request. Greenhorn Hunters judged to be harmless to get close to receive a lot of requests like this. It's testing the waters."
The approach method varies by Guild.
"The method also changes depending on whether the Hunter belongs to a Guild or is a freelance Hunter. Even for a freelance Hunter, if they have a manager, the contact will come through them first."
Ju-hyeon nodded at that.
"It was the same for me. Contacting a Hunter you've just met directly is a rude act. So, to be formal, one usually sends various requests and expresses intentions to that Hunter's manager or their affiliated Guild."
Ju-hyeon added.
"Ah, 'greenhorn Hunter' is slang referring to Hunters who haven't been active for long."
"It was slang."
"Usually, it refers to a Hunter with a short career, but it is rarely used to disparage an opponent's skill. Naturally, this is also a very rude act."
"That is a sufficient explanation."
"In the future, I would appreciate it if you would ask me about any words or actions you don't understand."
Sliding the document toward Jio, Ju-hyeon continued.
"This request form is, simply put, a light greeting in the style of 'Shall we get to know each other?'. But for a religious order of the Solar Cult's scale to extend a hand directly like this is an unusual event."
Everyone who should know would already know.
"I will prepare as you wish."
"The Solar Cult."
Jio asked Yu Seong-un.
"Isn't that where Priest Kang Seo-dam and student Cha Isold are?"
"Right, this request form also came via Priest Kang Seo-dam."
"It seems he didn't contact me personally."
"Priest Kang Seo-dam doesn't have the personality to make personal requests."
"I felt that way when I saw him before, too."
The portrait made a decision.
"I will visit him soon."
"The religious order?"
"Priest Kang Seo-dam."
At that, Ju-hyeon nodded.
"I will understand it as such and prepare."
While doing so, he thought to himself.
'Is the religious order itself not up to the passing mark yet?'
In the first place, it would have been strange if Giovanni had good feelings for the Solar Cult.
Nevertheless, thanks to the strangeness of the personality named Giovanni itself, he didn't seem to have any ill feelings, but that didn't mean he seemed to like it all that much either.
'Just a little curious.'
He had said he stopped by once before, so it seemed he wasn't completely uninterested.
From Ju-hyeon's perspective, it was the easiest reaction to handle.
"Besides this, several other requests and contacts have come in. Their importance isn't very high, and most are from the mass media, so I've only organized them lightly. Shall I explain?"
"I do not wish to proceed with two events at the same time."
"Ah, I understand. Proceeding with two tasks simultaneously would indeed be too much for Hunter Seo Jio. I will prepare it so you can handle just one task cleanly."
Ju-hyeon and Yu Seong-un thought.
'Is this Mr. Jio's rule?'
'It seems he has restrictions when he's active.'
One was a Gardener, and the other was a former Association researcher. Neither of them simply thought, 'Jio is an introverted person, so he doesn't have the energy to handle many things at once.'
This wasn't actually just a matter of their careers.
Whether seen by a complete stranger or by someone who had known him for a long time, Seo Jio's impression was not that of an introverted person who wilts when he's outside the house.
'Then again, it must be hard to be outside the picture frame for a long time with his class lowered.'
Thinking that, Yu Seong-un gave an easygoing smile.
"Then what date would be good?"
"I will follow your recommendation."
"Alright, let's have Mr. Ju-hyeon check on that."
Amidst the heartwarming atmosphere, the 1st Hallway Meeting concluded.
***
And here, there was a person who was neither heartwarming nor concluded.
"Haaaah…."
The Priest of the Sun, Kang Seo-dam, who had been stuck handling the leftover work, thought.
'The vermin-like religious world.'
It was a world where the younger you were and the lower your rank, the more naturally you became a slave.
Thinking that he would have made his exit long ago if not for the merciful sun, he composed himself.
It was time to behold the divinity.
-x-X-x-
A few days later, 'Seo Jio Hunter' visited the Solar Cult.
"We thank you for your visit."
Kang Seo-dam came out personally to greet him.
"Was your journey here uncomfortable in any way?"
"I was just filled with anticipation at the thought of facing the sun I beheld that day."
"That the sun's light reached you must also be fate."
He guided Jio with his characteristic expressionless face.
"Please follow me."
"I'll be in your care."
Jio followed behind Kang Seo-dam, observing the true appearance of the Solar Cult temple.
'It's certainly different from the religious order I was part of.'
Compared to Jio's Solar Cult, which had been extremely opulent despite being severely corroded by the mermaids' schemes, Earth's Solar Cult was far more frugal and filled with a gentle atmosphere.
It felt as if it were filled with sunlight.
'They used clean white colors more than gold, I see.'
As someone who often painted, Jio couldn't help but assess its aesthetic value over its historical value.
This place had a much warmer and more cheerful air than he had imagined.
"It's bustling."
"Are you perhaps displeased?"
"No, it sounded nice, so I asked."
"I am glad to hear that, as a priest."
Kang Seo-dam continued in his characteristic calm tone.
"One of the greatest strengths of the Solar Cult is that it's full of vitality."
"I visited the Cult of Death before, and it's completely different from that place."
"That is because the Cult of Death considers silence a virtue and is a religious order that values the group over the individual."
They walked down a hallway where sunlight streamed brightly through large windows.
"In other words, the priests of Death are also called the Silent Family. Compared to other religious orders, the framework of 'family' is unusually firm, but separate from that, they prioritize obedience and flow… so it must have been very quiet."
It was different from the Solar Cult.
"Warmth belongs to the living. The light of the small suns bestowed upon us by the Sun burns while alive, and after incinerating everything, it returns to the Sun's side."
"That must be why the atmosphere is so bright."
"Yes, compared to other cults, we particularly aim for the free action of individual priests. So even within the religious order, we converse comfortably with minimal formality. As a result…."
Kang Seo-dam smiled lightly and glanced at the passing priests.
"The Solar Cult generally has this kind of boisterous atmosphere."
"It's nice to see."
"It is fortunate that you see it that way."
They soon headed to the Solar Cult's reception room.
"Please, sit comfortably."
As the two sat down, people who had been waiting nearby brought out some snacks and tea.
Unlike the priests he saw earlier or Kang Seo-dam, Jio didn't feel much of the sun's energy from them, so he looked at them.
At that, Kang Seo-dam, remembering that Jio was not human and lacked common knowledge about such things, explained.
"…These are the brothers and sisters who help our Solar Cult's priests in every way possible. They are not priests, but they stay within the cult's interior and provide help, big and small."
"I see, thank you for the introduction."
"Serving the cult's guests is a priest's joy. Thank you for bringing the tea, brothers. I will now converse with our guest, so I would appreciate it if you would step back."
At that, the attendants quietly withdrew, and only Jio and Kang Seo-dam remained in the reception room.
"…First of all…."
Kang Seo-dam bowed his head deeply.
"Regarding the great mercy you bestowed upon us in the 'Kingdom of the Deep Sea' before, I thank you once again on behalf of all the humans who were there at that time."
Kang Seo-dam's attitude was far more polite and respectful than it had been outside the reception room.
Jio realized from the phrase 'on behalf of all the humans' that he wasn't being treated as a human, but he let it be.
'It's a little baffling, but….'
It's probably better than being found out as an ordinary human and dragged off somewhere as a test subject.
While thinking this, Jio adopted the attitude befitting a priest of the Sun.
"I am happy that I was of help."
"Did you safely receive the religious order's reward?"
"Yes, I received the compensation money through The Collectors."
"…I thought it was not right to offer you compensation with mere money, but…."
"What modest words."
Giovanni gave a sacred smile characteristic of a priest.
"I like money."
"..."
"Most happiness can be bought with money."
Kang Seo-dam, who was silent for a moment, nodded.
"I see, that is a relief."
Jio instinctively sensed that this meant, 'I don't really understand, but since you say so, I'll move on.'
It was a reaction he was familiar with, one that Yu Seong-un or Ju-hyeon often showed.
Kang Seo-dam still maintained an uncomfortably respectful attitude.
"Thanks to your help that day, the number of casualties was greatly reduced. It was something I, as the one in charge of the initiation ceremony, should have resolved, but you extended a hand, allowing the young prospective priests to avoid a vain death."
"I believe it was something we accomplished together."
"Thank you again for looking upon us favorably. The reason we invited you, Seo Jio Hunter-nim, today is because the cult pushed for this meeting. My opinion was not reflected at all, and I will do my best to ensure nothing unpleasant occurs."
"I wasn't displeased, though?"
Could he have possibly thought Jio would say, 'How dare you summon me here and there'?
Jio expressed mild confusion at Kang Seo-dam, who was acting extremely apologetic and cautious for some reason, but Kang Seo-dam's reaction remained the same.
"Yes, thank you for believing me."
Jio's interpretation was correct.
To him, the fact that a mere human had dared to summon a god felt disrespectful.
No, it wasn't just a feeling; it was, in fact, disrespectful.
'I'm afraid I'll forget a human's place at this rate.'
The divinity before him was showing an unusual amount of goodwill towards humans, but separate from that, there was a limit.
Not that Kang Seo-dam could go around shouting, 'Seo Jio Hunter actually harbors divinity,' so it was an unavoidable situation.
'The elder priests are still rambling on about whether to recruit him or not….'
They didn't know that they were daring to spout such nonsense about a divinity.
It was truly a sin born of ignorance.
Kang Seo-dam, who had been tasked with this matter, felt truly terrible.
"This isn't the only time humans have sinned out of foolishness. I will reflect on it."
"I'm not sure what you mean, but I think it's an excellent thing to reflect on oneself."
Like a wonderful adult, Jio pretended not to notice Kang Seo-dam's confusion and anger.
"Is there something I must do?"
"..."
Kang Seo-dam barely suppressed a cough.
"…Khm, no. How could I possibly ask anything of you?"
"I would prefer it if you didn't treat me with such difficulty. Do you feel fear towards me?"
"To be honest, it's more discomfort than that. It's burdensome."
"I really like such honesty."
Influenced by Argio, Giovanni's face brightened.
"It seems you have a lot of pent-up anger. Do you require a sparring match?"
"Even if I were to die right this instant, I would not wish for a sparring match with you."
"What a truly honest soul. You are splendid, Brother Kang Seo-dam."
"I can only be grateful that you affirm my soul."
Kang Seo-dam felt like he wanted to go hide somewhere.
"As I mentioned earlier, inviting you, Seo Jio Hunter-nim, today was for simple fellowship, so I have not prepared any sort of control. It seems you can just chat comfortably with me and then return home."
"To chat comfortably, you look very tired, Priest Kang Seo-dam."
"I know this sounds rather irreverent, but in the end, a priest is no different from an office worker. There are just far more relational things to worry about than in a typical workplace. My fatigue accompanies the existence of my soul, so you need not worry about it."
"In that case, shall we try to have a comfortable conversation as you suggested?"
Giovanni thought of the young priests here.
"How is Brother Cha Isold doing?"
"Ah, that child…."
Thinking of his student, Kang Seo-dam's expression softened slightly.
"Are you perhaps seeking to embrace him?"
It was a question of whether he would take him as a follower, but Jio merely smiled.
"That doesn't seem to be for me to decide."
"On the day of the initiation ceremony, I thought your visit was to find a new follower."
"I have the intention of making many friends and family, but I have no thought of forcing it."
"I see."
Kang Seo-dam nodded.
"I asked because it seemed Brother Cha Isold recently wishes to become your priest."
"That would not be my opinion."
"I thought as much. If you had wanted it, it would have been decided on the day of the initiation ceremony…."
Unlike what Kang Seo-dam had misunderstood that day, the great mystery known as 'Jio's Portrait' was not a divinity that greedily sought to make its own followers.
It simply existed, without greed.
'Though that's what's even scarier.'
To be so massive on its own without any worshiping followers was truly a rare case.
"If not for that, there would have been no major incidents with Brother Cha Isold. That child is extremely friendly and optimistic, so he has a destiny where friends who want to help him gather around."
Cha Isold was quite a popular child among the prospective priests.
"He is continuing an equally unremarkable life. It's hard to see him as a student with a strong passion for learning, but he doesn't have the personality to avoid his given tasks either."
"I am truly happy to hear that. Brother Cha Isold's family must also be happy. Surely, that student will become a splendid priest and help many people."
Is that a prophecy?
"..."
It must be a prophecy.
'I must remember this.'
Divinities often foretell the future nonchalantly.
This was especially true for evil gods who enjoyed amusement; seeking amusement free from providence, they carelessly spread miracles and disasters.
Kang Seo-dam didn't at all think Jio's words were simple pleasantries stemming from finding him commendable.
He gauged student Cha Isold's future and continued speaking.
"I don't know if you are aware, but Brother Cha Isold's partner is a sister named Iruda. In this priest's foolish eyes, both of them possess the qualities of splendid priests… so they are receiving high expectations."
However.
"If there is a point of concern, it's that Sister Iruda is receiving envy and jealousy from the other students. She herself doesn't pay it any mind at all."
"Oh dear… as a teacher leading prospective priests, how burdensome that must be for you."
"…Thank you for comforting this insignificant priest. I believe the situation won't become serious as long as I am here, but I mentioned it as it is a matter that you might potentially be concerned about."
After exchanging light conversation on the topic of the prospective priests, Kang Seo-dam got to the main point.
"There will soon be a conquest organized by the Solar Cult. It is an A-Class Dungeon with the Appraisal name 'Underground Four-legged Rainforest,' and we have already arranged to collaborate with several Guilds."
"Do you wish for me to participate there?"
"If I were to make a pathetic excuse, this is really not my opinion at all. However, the Solar Cult is curious about 'Seo Jio Hunter's' exact abilities, and furthermore, about the person himself."
"It is interesting that I seem to have received more attention than I deserve."
"Please feel free to state your opinion. The Solar Cult will not dare to try and handle you with authority, and even if they did, the place you are staying is The Collectors. There is no problem."
The Collectors was the third most influential and the number one wealthiest Guild in South Korea.
Nobody wanted to poke the hornet's nest that was The Collectors, who were more obsessed with their collection than anyone.
"It is a simple proposal that you are free to refuse."
"What kind of dungeon is this 'Underground Four-legged Rainforest'?"
"It is a Villa Dungeon created beneath a limestone cave, a dungeon filled with poisonous and sharply honed plants. Because of that, we are prioritizing the recruitment of Healers and Tamers."
"Healers and Tamers, you say."
Jio's eyes curved distinctly.
"That's me, exactly."
"…I am merely sorry."
Kang Seo-dam continued as respectfully as possible.
"This is an event intended to test you, and at the same time, it is our religious order's homework that should have originally been carried out. This dungeon, originally discovered by the Solar Cult, showed various uses, so the cult attempted to clear it but failed."
"So that is why you are collaborating with other Guilds."
"Unlike our public image, the Solar Cult surprisingly does not have that many Healers. The hot fire of the sun is focused more on destruction than on meticulously saving lives. That is the reason."
"I understand that it is not a power anyone can wield delicately."
"There isn't much time left. The conquest is scheduled to begin in 15 days, and although time is short, it was deemed that no one is as well-suited for this event as Seo Jio Hunter…"
He swallowed the sigh that had almost escaped and then spoke.
"Thus, I have come to make this presumptuous proposal."
"There's no need to call it presumptuous, is there?"
"My apologies, where there are eyes, I will treat you as a Hunter."
"You are also a very stubborn person, Priest Kang Seo-dam."
Jio looked down at the proposal Kang Seo-dam had offered with his characteristic blue eyes, in which a light shimmered.
"…A rainforest, hm…."
A golden light seeped into his curving eyes.