DEB 41

“First, to prevent any misunderstanding, let me clarify that the Bureau has been searching for traces of the hunter presumed to be the savior for a long time. We’ve even made several official announcements, so you might already be aware. We’re not suddenly accusing you without any evidence,” 

Choi Inhwa said.

Huiyun nodded. 

Choi Inhwa took a sip of tea and then smiled softly.

“Two years. We tracked the savior’s traces for two years after he appeared, and we began to see patterns. Officially, the savior is credited with resolving about ten Gate Out incidents, but the Bureau analyzed over 100 of the 200 cases where the perpetrator was unclear and found they were handled with the same ability. This ability matched that of the hunter currently called the savior.”

Two years. 

Huiyun was surprised at how long it had been. It was almost like chasing a phantom, yet they had been that persistent. He had underestimated the Bureau’s tenacity.

Choi Inhwa, pleased with Huiyun’s reaction, brushed back a strand of hair that had fallen over his neck.

“Realizing this, we started to more seriously track the savior.”

“Why?” 

Huiyun asked.

“If he were evil, he would be a significant threat, so it was right to deal with him first. If he were good, it was beneficial to bring him into the Bureau.”

Honest. 

The unembellished answer showed the integrity of the Bureau’s director, which wasn’t bad.

“After a long pursuit, we discovered one rule about the savior.”

Thunk.

The sound of the teacup being placed down echoed loudly in his ears. Choi Inhwa’s eyes sparkled with intensity, filled with a passion and interest that seemed unbefitting of his age. 

Huiyun met his gaze squarely, hiding his tension. 

It was a silent exchange, each trying to read the other’s thoughts.

“Suil Hospital.”

“…”

“Every Gate Out incident suspected to be handled by the savior occurred within a 2km radius of Suil Hospital. At first, we thought it was a coincidence, but the recent incident confirmed our suspicion.”

Choi Inhwa opened a file on the table and pushed it toward Huiyun.

The Gate Out incident at Suil Hospital on February 28.

The report detailed how a Gate Out occurred in the Suil Hospital area, with numerous monsters approaching the hospital but being quickly dealt with. The report mentioned that the monsters were found kneeling with broken leg bones, a familiar scene to Huiyun.

“That incident is similar to the recent park Gate Out incident. Both had another commonality: you were within a 2km radius, accompanied by Hong Juan in the park and the three hunters at the hospital. And today, you visit the Bureau with Korea’s pride, the three S-Class hunters. By now, it should be obvious, right? Oh, that hospital is suspicious, and the person named Mok Huiyun at that hospital is even more so.”

Though his words were confident, the aura he exuded was overwhelmingly good-natured. Huiyun, sensing the genuine intent behind the investigation, could only surrender.

His long tail had been caught. 

It was his own mistake, so he couldn’t blame Juan, Nameless, or Jiwook.

“I thought I was careful, but I must have been too careless.”

“The information about a mana hypersensitivity patient who coughs up blood and faints at Suil Hospital and the interest of the three hunters in that patient was indeed worth investigating.”

Choi Inhwa, not denying anything, took back the file Huiyun returned, smiling brightly. He looked relieved, like someone who had pulled out a bad tooth.

On the other hand, Huiyun had to swallow his sense of foreboding.

This was the Bureau Director. Known as a legend among current hunters, he wouldn’t let this slide. 

What would he demand? 

Would he ask him to join the Bureau?

“What do you want from me?”

When uncertain, it’s best to ask directly. Apparently liking his straightforward approach, Choi Inhwa laughed heartily and walked to his desk. 

He opened a drawer and took out a box resembling a ring case, showing it to Huiyun.

Receiving a look to open it, Huiyun reached for the ring case, and Juan clicked his tongue.

“See, I knew it. I told you we should just leave without meeting the Bureau Director.”

“Even so, it would have been more troublesome. It’s better to come now and settle things cleanly.”

“If you have the power of domination, it’s hard to hide your strength anyway. This way is better than being monitored as an unregistered hunter. They’ll also give you some leeway.”

Knowing what was in the box, the three disciples conversed among themselves. Hearing their conversation, Huiyun felt embarrassed.

Even so, talking about erasing memories or ignoring the Bureau Director right in front of him was quite embarrassing.

Choi Inhwa, understanding Huiyun’s feelings, winked at him knowingly.

“Though they may be like foals, they are talented, so I keep them around.” 

Choi Inhwa said.

“Haha…”

The Bureau Director had watched over the three hunters for a long time, it seemed like he had already given up expecting proper human decency from them. Feeling somewhat embarrassed, Huiyun slightly lowered his head and quietly opened the ring case. Inside was a necklace with a blue gemstone.

“The Bureau has no intention of holding Huiyun responsible for any actions taken while fighting alone to save people. The more people like you there are, the less work the Bureau has, and fewer lives will be lost due to delayed support. However, the fact that you are an unregistered hunter is a problem.”

“I figured as much.”

It was something Huiyun had been thinking about since the Director had mentioned knowing his identity. To register as a hunter with the Bureau, one must awaken. Only then can they share system information and complete the registration process.

Huiyun, unsure of how to explain his ability to use powers without awakening, looked troubled.

Was he finally heading to a mental hospital or research facility?

As the dreaded reality loomed close, Choi Inhwa’s low laughter echoed in his ears.

“However, in recognition of your efforts over the years, we are not going to hold you accountable for being an unregistered hunter. Acting without being registered implies there must be some reason, and we understand that. However, in return, though it might not be much, we ask that you work as part of the Bureau, even if you are not registered.”

Choi Inhwa’s voice grew more earnest as he explained the necklace Huiyun had lifted.

“That is a magic control necklace provided only to mercenaries working for the Bureau. Wearing it helps amplify or suppress magic, and for you, the second ability will be very beneficial.”

“Oh.”

This was exactly what he needed. Since he planned to stay outside the hospital and would be exposed to mana often, this item alleviated a significant concern. Feeling relieved, Huiyun looked up to see Choi Inhwa standing and bowing.

“Mok Huiyun, I ask you as the Bureau Director. Please become a mercenary for the Bureau and lend your strength when great crises arise in Korea.”

With a serious voice, the Director’s bow deepened. Surprised by the unexpected gesture and proposal, Huiyun quickly stood and gestured for him to rise, but Choi Inhwa remained unmoved. It was clear he wouldn’t rise until Huiyun accepted.

Drained by the earnest request, Huiyun looked down at the necklace with a troubled expression.

A Bureau mercenary.

He had never heard of such a thing. Given that the Director himself was recruiting and appointing him, it was undoubtedly a highly secretive organization within the Bureau. Joining such an organization would mean distancing himself from a peaceful life.

But there was no other way after being discovered as the savior.

Being forced to register as a hunter versus becoming a mercenary. The better choice was clear. 

After deliberating for a while, Huiyun took the necklace in his hand.

“If I become a mercenary, what restrictions will I have?”

“There are no restrictions. Just remain a strong ally within the Bureau and be part of Korea’s power. The only condition, if you can call it that, is that you must respond to the Bureau’s summoning requests unless you have an unavoidable reason. These requests are limited to once a month, so you won’t be bothered often.”

It was evident how much they wanted to secure him as a mercenary. Considering it wasn’t as bad as he thought, Huiyun sighed deeply.

If Choi Inhwa had been even a little less kind, he might have looked for another way.

Had Choi Inhwa been even slightly sinister or devious, Huiyun wouldn’t have accepted. But meeting him in person showed why he held the Bureau Director position, why Korea maintained its top spot in the world, and why it responded excellently to abnormal phenomena.

Being asked to be a mercenary was essentially a request not to emigrate and instead stay as a national asset. Resolving to accept, Huiyun put the gemstone necklace around his neck.

“I understand.”

With a concise yet sincere response, Choi Inhwa straightened and smiled.

“I look forward to working with you, Mok Huiyun.”

“Please just call me Huiyun. It feels burdensome.”

“Haha. Very well. Most mercenaries hide their identities, so it would be good to have a mask and a code name.”

“A code name?”

It sounded like something from a movie, and as Huiyun hesitated, Juan smirked.

“He’s saying to use an alias. Vina, Moot, and I all use one.”

“Yes. The three of them use those names as their code names. Though Hunter Hong Juan’s name has become less of an alias because he says it everywhere he goes.”

That meant the three hunters were also mercenaries for the Bureau. No wonder they knew about the necklace.

Huiyun, not having any immediate ideas, said he would think about it and left the Director’s office. Choi Inhwa, promising to keep Huiyun’s identity confidential, saw him off cheerfully.

As he left the Bureau, Huiyun’s steps felt heavy. 

Being a mercenary for the Bureau.

Somehow, every step away from the hospital seemed to take him further from peace.