Chapter 670: Chapter 670

The combat class must be S-rank or above, the special support class A-rank or above. Even with those stringent requirements, over twenty hunters have gathered here. Perhaps because most were Chatterbox party participants, they’re surprisingly cooperative for high-ranked hunters. There’s a big difference between following rules and having no experience working with others. Chatterbox left a lot of good stuff behind when he went.

“The terrorists, the prophets, are presumed to be an anti-hunter group that’s been active in Europe and the United States,” I said, mixing in information from the French Hunter Association.

“It’s also believed that the prophets cooperated with Mr. Chatterbox in order to eliminate the high-ranked hunters gathered at the party,” I added.

Whether it’s true or not doesn’t really matter. Even S-rank hunters barely remember Chatterbox’s end. His existence blurred so much that, aside from the S-ranks directly connected to me, most only know that he’s apparently dead.

“The reason they’re relentlessly hunting me now is probably because I can help the high-ranked hunters,” I continued. “In addition to the Kiseungsu breeding lab items, I plan to share the items Chatterbox left behind.”

I ran that around to say, This isn’t about protecting my personal safety from meddlesome fools.

“They’re a nuisance, all right,” one hunter muttered. “Protesting in front of their houses and throwing paint cans at cars and walls.”

That didn’t happen much in Korea, but in Europe and the U.S. anti-hunter groups sometimes carried out small-scale terror acts. They even stormed hunter association facilities armed with automatic weapons.

“They cleverly mix in non-awakened people, so it’s hard to respond,” another said.

“You can’t just attack a non-awakened guard with a knife. They won’t even bleed, and both sides know that. They’ll say you never meant to harm them! Meanwhile, if I clearly only blocked their blade, they’ll call it attempted murder! For an S-rank, even the slightest movement is treated like firing a gun!”

It’s true knives are almost as dangerous as guns, but in America—a nation of lawsuits—they had a lot of trouble with this.

“Some even ram their cars on purpose,” someone else added. “You can’t just get out of your car. They’ll sue you, saying their arm broke after they threw a punch.”

“That’s why we hired non-awakened bodyguards. It’s ridiculous.”

“Every guild needs non-awakened or low-ranked awakened security.”

“Mostly gold-seekers, and the pay’s not great, but they’re a hassle if you don’t.”

Once they started talking, complaints erupted everywhere. Perhaps because so many interests were involved, awakened people seemed legally disadvantaged compared to Korea. With large land and abundant resources, awakeneds weren’t as crucial there.

“Currently, European Union hunters are tracking and monitoring the terrorist group’s location,” I said. We’d left the prophet pursuit to them—it was their territory, so they’d do better than outsiders.

“Because the terrorist cells are widespread, I can’t share detailed information yet. They might even be among us. After sunset, each team will receive location data and proceed directly. Teams are self-organized, and solo action is allowed.”

Though the contract terms were harsh, I didn’t want any S-rank hunters to be endangered. Everyone here was sociable and cooperative, so we had to avoid any fatalities. We’d seek results as safely as possible.

‘I’ll keep providing what’s needed and maintain good relations,’ I thought. Especially if I want to build that school. If it were just me, I could blow off trouble, but to provide a good environment for the kids, I have to care. Handling these terrorists well would also boost our image.

“Any questions?” I asked.

A hunter who’d been on my mind all this time raised a hand. He was the impeccably dressed one, a million light-years from combat gear—but also someone I recognized. Valérie Roussel. She stepped forward, a smile on her face, and then—

A bouquet burst from Valérie’s inventory. It looked like dungeon flora, wrapped in dungeon byproducts—but wait a moment! She raised the bouquet toward me.

“Would you go out with me officially?”

‘Because of the cat!’ I realized. At the Chatterbox party’s end, I used the Delouse skill on Valérie and attacked. At that moment I returned to human form and fired my gun, so Valérie was one of the few who knew my skill. I know she loves cats... but still, this was—

“This is so sudden,” I managed.

“I apologize. I was hasty upon learning it’s hard to get permission to visit the Dodam breeding lab.”

“And—I’m sure you’ve noticed—I have a child in my care. He’s essentially my son.”

And soon there would be two more. Valérie grinned widely.

“I love children. I’m open to adoption as well.”

She continued in a polite tone.

“So please think about it and answer at your leisure. I won’t say there’s no other reason, but I genuinely like you, Han Yujin.”

She extended the bouquet, asking me to accept it. Because of the cat, because of the cat... yet my heart raced anyway. Trying not to show it, I spoke again.

“Anyone else have questions? If not, please rest in the building to the right. Once you form teams, please notify the information desk.”

The hunters moved away. Valérie glanced at me once more, then turned. After everyone had departed, I dismounted from Peace’s back. Heat rose in my neck and face. Why was it so warm?

“Hyung? Your face...”

“No, nothing. It’s just—”

Fanning myself, I looked at the bouquet: large, deep red blossoms in the center, fading to pale pink at the edges. Dungeon plants were varied, but pretty safe and beautiful flowers were rare. Had she picked these herself?

“I’ve never been confessed to before...”

I’d never had anyone seriously propose, without some ulterior motive or playful tease like Hyunah. Sure, it was probably about my cat skill... but still. People liked me for my abilities or appearance—why not for my cat transformation?

“It’s my first time too! Valérie knows my Delouse cat skill. She probably likes cats—still, this is the first time someone’s given me flowers and asked me out.”

She was honestly quite nice. She reminded me of Hyunah’s vibe, and she clearly cared for animals. Exceptions aside, that made it likely she was a good person. The materials I’d received gave her high marks, too.

“...Hyung, I think it’s dangerous if the partner is S-rank.”

“Why are you so serious? No, no—it’s not like that. I hardly know her. But I need to answer, right? Yuhyun, what would you do?”

“Sorry.” Yuhyun spoke firmly. “If I were honest, I’d say I can’t like anyone other than you, and I have no feelings for her.” Check latest chapters at 𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡•𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚•𝙣𝙚𝙩

“...Too much honesty isn’t always good.”

I hoped he hadn’t truly said that after a confession. I’d never dated anyone, though I’d received gifts since childhood.

“If you don’t have feelings, it’s better to reject quickly,” Noah advised, sounding highly experienced. She really must’ve had a lot of these.

“Yes, people are easily swayed by appearance.”

She said matter-of-factly, no modesty—clearly she’d been on the receiving end often.

“I’ve never truly dated, though. Especially when I was young, my sister would torment me...”

I didn’t need details to picture it. Riette probably meant well when she barged in to play, but it likely didn’t end well. I fiddled with the bouquet and looked at Director Song.

“I was...” she cut me off before I could finish. “I was moderately popular.”

“Director Song, you must’ve had admirers, too. You’ve dated, right?”

She didn’t answer. Was she avoiding it, or had she really never dated? If I date, would I be the first among us? Yuhyun and Noah have fans but no real relationships. Yerim, Soyeong—same. Riette... she did everything without dating? Hm. I didn’t know about Seong Hyunjae or Hyunah.

“In any case, I can’t afford to date. Thank you, but I must decline. It’s a shame since it’s my first confession... I don’t know when I’ll get another... but—”

“You’re the best to me,” Yuhyun said.

“Mr. Yujin, you’re really a good person. I find you charming and wonderful.”

“Thank you, Yuhyun. Thank you, Noah.”

Director Song avoided my gaze. Right. If I date someone, she’ll be one of the most troubled by it—especially an S-rank partner.

I put the bouquet into my inventory. My racing heart settled somewhat. I was grateful and thrilled, but given my situation, I had to decline anyone.

‘Especially someone who genuinely likes me.’

Unless it’s an arranged marriage, I wouldn’t want to burden someone who likes me. I couldn’t make them my priority. If I were to date and build a family, that family must come first. Clearly I’m unfit for romance.

‘...But honestly, it does feel nice.’

I’ll decline politely later. Should I prepare a return gift? Or maybe invite her to the breeding lab. She’d be interested in Kiseungsu, too. Most cat-type monsters were large. Peace was rare for having a physical form—usually they lack corporeal skills.

“Let’s head inside too, hyung. If it feels uncomfortable, I can ask that hunter to stay away.”

“No! That can’t happen. I’ll handle the refusal myself.”

It was just a lighthearted incident, but they were taking it so seriously. I missed Yerim and Hyunah’s presence—they would have teased me mercilessly. Especially Hyunah: she’d pat my shoulder and go, “Hyung, you’re so popular—will you date me too?” without meaning it.

“Riette should arrive soon too, right?”

“Yes. My sister plans to go in first.”

For some reason the Chohwaun group hadn’t moved from the stronghold. Worrying, considering a new devotion addict was incoming, but we couldn’t wait for them to react. Best to finish it before contacting other Transcendents.

As I stepped toward leaving the airfield,

[Would you like to inherit some of Chatterbox’s system admin privileges?]

A message window popped up. I froze and stared. Chatterbox’s system admin privileges?

“...A message appeared.”

I swallowed dryly. What did this mean? I’m not a Transcendent, yet they offered me privileges.

‘...Could it be because I’m Chatterbox’s heir?’

Although Chatterbox had relinquished his existence, the inheritance left to me included what he had while he was Chatterbox. Could that extend to system admin privileges? Was this possible?

“They want to grant me system admin permissions...”

The others’ expressions turned serious.

“You should ask the rookie,” someone said. “Find out more before acting.”

“I agree. Don’t act rashly,” said Yuhyun and Director Song.

Of course they would.

[Remaining inheritance time: 10 minutes]

“Wait, what? It says 10 minutes left!”

Ten minutes! It would take longer than that just to reach the nearest dungeon—and we’re out in a deserted mountain! Was this a trap to force me to accept?

“Hyung, it might be a trap!”

“But if it’s the system...!”

System admin privileges—a way to access Transcendents. I desperately needed that power now, after refusing the Crescent Moon’s offer and wandering without a plan against Transcendents and the Origin.

“Rookie or whoever, explain in detail! What happens if I accept?”

Who just throws this at you out of the blue! Time ticked down: 7 minutes, 6, then 5. My hand rose toward the message window. Yuhyun grabbed ⊛ Nоvеlιght ⊛ (Read the full story) my wrist. I looked at my little brother.

“If this were something you should never accept, the rookie would’ve warned you. Besides, the rookie and the Elder said nothing would change no matter what I chose.”

Even if I refused now, I’d still be embroiled in this. 4 minutes.

“If it’s something I can’t avoid, I might as well take something and dive in.”

“Why always to you, hyung?”

I let out a wry laugh. Still, it could benefit me. Maybe that’s why they sent the urgent message to make me hesitate. 2 minutes. I accepted the message.

[Inheriting partial system admin privileges