Chapter 8

Kiiing—

The sound of the electric drill lingers in my ears all day long.

It's been two days since I stayed at Dr. Jin's house.

During this time, I either read through Hunter-related materials on Dr. Jin's PC or spent my time controlling the Black Ether inside my body.

"Huff…."

After the awakening, I finally understand.

I can now feel how toxic and powerful the poison raging inside my body is.

Only a tiny fraction of the powerful energy generated each day is converted into Black Ether.

The only fortunate thing is that I no longer feel any special pain?

What's interesting is that my condition has significantly improved since I entered Dr. Jin's house.

"Chirp."

I had to eat canned food for all three meals during this time.

It's not that Dr. Jin's hospitality is poor.

It's just that the only food available here is canned.

Unlike the impressive equipment and advanced devices on the walls, Dr. Jin's diet is terribly inadequate.

The reason is due to Dr. Jin's trauma.

"After settling here, I haven't gone outside for five years."

Is he feeling guilty?

While eating the remaining pineapple from the can, Dr. Jin smiled bitterly and said, "After narrowly escaping death from the Hunter Association, I developed paranoid symptoms."

"Paranoid symptoms…?"

"I felt as if everyone was desperately trying to kill me, even those who had no ill intentions. I constantly suspected and ran away, making it impossible to live a normal life."

"So… you avoided meeting people as much as possible?"

"Yes. To avoid meeting people as much as possible, I looked for foods with a long shelf life and stocked up on canned goods."

Although it's been a short time, Dr. Jin seems like a kind person.

For such a person to isolate himself so extremely must have been very hard.

The years must have been very harsh for him.

"Didn't you get bored?"

"Bored? When I'm developing devices, the days feel short. And there's also the pet next to you."

Pet?

What does he mean by that?

I looked at where Dr. Jin's gaze was directed, which was on my left shoulder.

-Kwong!

"Ahh!"

Shit, I was startled.

I almost swore.

Even if it's small, how can it sit there without making a sound?

-Kwong?

Even when I flinched, it managed to stay on my shoulder.

What kind of creature is this?

A black body the size of a thumb, legs the size of a peanut, tiny wings, and luminous yellow eyes.

Is this what a miniature dragon would look like?

One thing is certain: this creature doesn't exist in 'this world.'

"Hehe. A man who doesn't blink at extreme toxins, what are you so surprised about?"

Seeing Dr. Jin holding his stomach and laughing, my reaction must have been quite amusing.

But it was understandable.

After absorbing the core extracted from the toad and converting it into Black Ether, my senses became more sensitive than an average person's.

Unless it's a Hunter who knows how to hide their presence, I can usually sense the presence of people nearby.

But I didn't even notice it sitting on my shoulder.

It's no wonder I was startled.

"Well, this little guy is quite elusive. His name is Pori."

"What a cute name."

Did it feel stimulated by the compliment?

The small dragon, Pori, tapped my shoulder with its tiny tail.

"It doesn't hurt, you little thing."

-Kwong!

"Pori was brought back by Kiril when he entered the dungeon. It's basically a Poison-type monster."

"Really? Then, Dr. Jin, you…."

Kiril and I might not know, but Dr. Jin can't possibly be immune to poison.

However, Dr. Jin waved his hand as if it was no big deal.

"Pori is different from other monsters. It can be raised by humans and is very loyal to its owner. The poison it has is only slightly itchy at most."

"Ah, I see…."

-Kwong!

It's definitely different from the monsters I know.

If humans and monsters could coexist peacefully, this would definitely be the top choice for a pet.

It can also choose not to emit its poison if it doesn't want to.

What a fascinating creature.

"Looks like this little guy likes you. He hasn't left your side for two days."

"Two days?!"

I swallowed a hollow laugh and slowly stroked it with my finger.

-Kur…

It made a different sound, as if it was enjoying itself.

Dr. Jin smiled warmly at me and Pori, then suddenly clapped his hands.

"Ah! Now that I think about it, your spots have faded a bit."

"Really? I didn't notice."

"No, they're definitely better than when I first saw you. Hmm… By the way."

"Yes?"

"Have you noticed any changes since you came to my house? For example, feeling an overflow of energy."

"Hmm… I do feel a bit more refreshed. Especially this morning, I felt really good."

"Hahaha. That's definitely it. That's right."

What's so funny?

Dr. Jin, let me know the reason so I can laugh with you.

"Looks like Pori has found a new owner. Well, it's obvious from how close you've been."

"Owner?"

Are you telling me to take this guy home?

I had to list the contradictions in Dr. Jin's story.

"So, you're telling me to bring a monster to the open area where people were massacred when the gate opened?"

"Haha. Don't worry. This little guy can hide himself whenever he wants."

-Kwong!

It raised its voice as if in response.

But where did it go?

The little guy on my shoulder had disappeared without a trace.

"Where did it go?"

"It's probably still on your shoulder."

Right.

I can feel its weight, though it's slight.

Pori is definitely on my shoulder, even though I can't see it.

"My goodness…."

In short, it's a monster that can use the 'Stealth' skill.

A rare ability that only top-tier Espers among Hunters can use, and even then, only with Epic items.

This small creature can use it effortlessly.

"You. What will you become when you grow up?"

-Kwong!

It revealed itself again with a strong (though barely audible) voice.

"Your improved condition is probably related to Pori. Kiril experienced the same thing."

When Kiril had just awakened.

When her body was covered in spots.

After meeting this Pori, her spots disappeared rapidly.

"We concluded that this little guy has the ability to absorb toxins from its owner."

Absorb.

"So… this little guy is eating the remaining toxins that I couldn't convert into Black Ether?"

"The probability is high. Your spots have faded, even if slightly, and you said your condition is good, right?"

-Kwong!

As if telling me to take good care of it, Pori roared again.

Oh.

If what Dr. Jin says is true, there's no reason not to take this little guy.

"It feels a bit dry and rough… but you look so cute, Haseon. I bet you'll make many girls cry when your spots disappear."

Dr. Jin said this and then got up.

He said the device work would be completed by tonight.

He advised me to familiarize myself with the information on the PC during the remaining time.

"Hmm…"

Even without Dr. Jin's advice, I've learned a lot of basic knowledge about Hunters over the past two days.

Including advanced information that only insiders would know.

My head, which was foggy due to the fever, has become completely clear after the awakening.

I tried to memorize as much information from the PC as possible and took notes when necessary.

Information that would guide me on how to live in the future.

-Sister, how's your body? Any sore spots?

-Yes, I'm fine. I understand you're worried, but are you calling too often? Hehe.

Kiril had already healed her sister's poison.

Dr. Jin spoke with confidence, but I couldn't help but worry.

I called my sister every morning and evening and could feel her recovery through her voice.

-I think I can go home tomorrow. We can have dinner together.

-That's great. Since Haseon is coming, we should have something delicious, right?

Kimchi stir-fried with pork hind leg.

Our favorite special dish.

A menu made from the cheapest cut of meat due to our financial situation.

A dish we've always loved, but right now, I want it so badly.

How many consecutive meals of canned food have I had?

How did Dr. Jin survive for five years?

-I'll eat three bowls, you'll see.

-Hehe. I'll be happy if you can finish one bowl properly.

My sister said she would buy more meat than usual and then hung up.

"..."

She's such a considerate person.

After narrowly escaping death at the gate, she let me stay out overnight.

She must have many questions and doubts, but she didn't ask me anything.

The only thing we ask each other is about our well-being.

I told my sister I was staying at a Hunter's house I met at the gate.

"Hmm… Is that so?"

She didn't seem to fully believe me, but she didn't press for more details.

She believes whatever I say.

The only brother she has.

Dr. Jin's PC contained data that ordinary people couldn't access.

I couldn't check everything due to the limited time.

But.

I know what I need to do right now.

'Now, I will…'

* * *

"Are you leaving?"

"Yes. It's the first time I've left my house like this."

I want to talk more with Dr. Jin, but I need to reassure my sister first.

To be honest, the sound of opening canned food is making me feel nauseous.

While preparing to leave, I noticed Dr. Jin's expression was quite disappointed.

Is it because he hasn't had a guest in five years?

By the way, Pori is following me.

"I'll visit often, Dr. Jin. I'll bring lots of delicious food."

"Haha. I appreciate that, but we won't see each other for a while."

"Huh?"

"Once an external guest enters this area, we need to move. I'll let you know through the device when the new location is set."

"Oh… I don't think you need to worry. I'm quite discreet."

"Hahaha. It's not that. Quite a few Hunter Association members have gone missing in this area. It will be discovered soon."

"Then, please wait a bit. I can help you…."

"There's no need for help. Just pack the devices into boxes and move them to the new location. There are over ten such places across the country."

Traps that can kill people.

Over ten places with such traps?

Dr. Jin's paranoia seems much worse than I thought.

"The devices I gave you are top-notch. They are on par with the technology of any guild in the world, not just in South Korea."

Dr. Jin spoke with rare pride, and I nodded.

I don't need to hear it to know.

The three devices he gave me.

I couldn't find similar ones no matter how much I searched.

All of these were made for Poizoners.

"What will you do next?"

"I'll build my strength until the next Hunter qualification test."

"Hunter… As you know, the Hunter Association doesn't look favorably on Poizoners."

Yes.

That's why I'll hide the fact that I'm a Poizoner.

"I'll take the Hunter qualification test as a different type."

"Hmm… So not a Knight?"

"No."

At first, I planned to do that.

But with this fascinating creature on my shoulder.

With Pori by my side, my plans have changed.

"I'll take the test as a different type."

"Not a Knight?"

"Yes."

The most important existence in a Hunter team.

But the weakest among them.

Therefore, the least suspicious.

"I'll become a Healer."