Chapter 62

< Preparation Complete (2) >

"Finally, you've contacted me. Can I have some hope?"

Seok Hayan's eyes sparkled as she sat down in the chair opposite. Today, she was dressed in a glamorous long dress, the kind you'd see at a resort. Dangling from her ears were large pineapple-shaped earrings.

"First, take a look at this."

I handed her a tablet containing the data from the Japanese dungeon. Her white fingers swiped the tablet a few times, and her eyes grew wider.

"This is... "

Her fingers moved faster. Her gaze darted up and down, busy. After a short while, Seok Hayan placed the tablet on the table, took a deep breath, and spoke.

"Is this data thoroughly investigated?"

"Yes, I can assure you."

"To gather so much data in such a short time... Moreover, you've even organized it systematically."

"Is there anything to supplement?"

"You shouldn't ask me that. I haven't even surveyed many domestic dungeons yet. The Hunter Association isn't very cooperative. Of course, it would be strange to grant permission to someone who isn't properly prepared. That's why I wanted to set up a research lab."

"By the way, has the Haeyeon Guild contacted you about the lab?"

Seok Hayan nodded.

"My uncle said he's willing to help. But I don't feel like affiliating with any one guild. I don't want the results of dungeon research to be used for profit. Of course, I don't think Haeyeon Guild would do that, but I hope anyone can use dungeon information freely, paying a fair price."

"That's a truly admirable mindset. I agree with you. But if you produce something useful, it will be hard for you to protect it."

At my words, Seok Hayan's brows furrowed slightly.

"That's true. Should I collaborate with Haeyeon Guild, then?"

"That's not a bad idea, but I have a proposal to make."

"From Han Yujin?"

"Yes. You know that I'm building a monster breeding facility, right?"

"Of course. I saw it on the way here. Oh, wait!"

Thump, Seok Hayan's hand hit the table.

"I saw it on the news! The monster breeding facility and the building next to it will be protected by five guilds for the next five years, right? Could you give me a spot for my lab?"

You're quick. I don't need to explain much.

"Yes, that's right. You'll be guaranteed safety for at least five years. A-grade hunters will be on-site, and you can receive support from Haeyeon Guild next door if needed."

Of course, once the research starts, this won't be enough.

'S-Class hunters will be necessary.'

The Riet siblings would be perfect. They're not affiliated with any guild and are highly skilled. I've already followed them on social media. I plan to build a casual friendship by commenting on their posts before contacting them seriously.

'The best would be top-tier monsters.'

Monsters are less likely to be swayed or betrayed compared to humans. They won't leave their posts to explore dungeons. The problem is that getting top-tier monster cubs is harder than getting S-class hunters. There are only two so far. One is on its way by boat.

S-class guilds won't easily give up the cubs they've worked hard to obtain. If all else fails, I could use the one I've prepared for my own protection.

I'll have a lot of kids around me in the future.

For now, it's just Haeyeon, but once more cubs come in, the guilds will protect them more thoroughly for their sake. It's like having hostages, or rather, monster hostages.

"Most importantly, this place will attract top hunters from domestic and international guilds, especially those who tackle high-level dungeons with relatively insufficient data. It won't be hard to obtain information since they'll be visiting in a subordinate position. I'll also assist with this. Moreover, as high-level hunters will need the results of dungeon research, you can build your own network. With the right approach, your lab can grow significantly without my help."

It could even become an independent large institution.

"Ah..."

Seok Hayan froze.

"Is that so? I see."

"Since S-class hunters will visit at least once, especially if they need to entrust top-tier monsters, they'll come in person out of concern."

Or at least send several A-class hunters.

"Actually, I find that a bit difficult."

Seok Hayan spoke hesitantly.

"My grandfather has a great network, so I didn't have much to complain about even while getting my degree. So, negotiating and coordinating results is a bit... I'm good at staying in the lab for months without leaving."

"You made a good proposal to me, didn't you?"

"Oh, that was more like a push. I also thought of you as a fellow researcher."

Indeed, I had shouted, "Let's research together! Let's collaborate!"

"Don't worry. You can't handle everything alone, and you shouldn't."

It would be a waste for Seok Hayan to handle all the small tasks. Negotiations should be handled by experts.

"You're not running the lab alone, right?"

"Yes, yes! By the way, would you like to see this?"

Seok Hayan showed me her phone. The screen displayed a photo of Seok Hayan and five foreigners, ranging from her age to middle-aged and elderly, of various races.

"They're D-Mates. A research group for dungeons and Awakeners, now in its second year."

"A research group?"

"Yes. I haven't told them about the data you're providing yet. If it's okay, can I bring my friends? They'll love it."

I looked at the photo more closely. The elderly man with white hair and the middle-aged woman were familiar. They were researchers from the dungeon Pulsar, where Seok Hayan was also a member. I vaguely remembered seeing them on TV a few times with Seok Hayan.

"If they are people you trust, I welcome them."

"That's a bit of a burden to say."

"Not at all. It's your lab, after all."

"But you're helping so much, I can't just do as I please. Oh, this is Jaden. He's more interested in Awakeners, so he'd probably pay to stay at a place where high-level hunters often visit. He'd stay up for days if he heard the news."

Seok Hayan's face shone brightly as she introduced the other members of the group. Her voice was cheerful, and it seemed they were a very harmonious team.

'If I just support her a bit, she'll do well on her own.'

There was a research group. Given her passion and ability, she couldn't have been idle all this time.

"Take the tablet for now."

"Is that okay? Aren't you worried about data leaks?"

"It's just some Japanese dungeons. And I'd like you to research other things first, like mana saturation."

"But isn't the creation principle the most urgent?"

"That's true, but for now. I need to confirm something first."

There's the Riet issue, and the creation principle of dungeons might have changed from the original future. I'll check with the system people in a few days.

I hope to tell her everything clearly this time.

When I returned home, I saw Myungwoo pacing anxiously in the living room. He was circling the table as if he were walking around a tower.

[Sharpen 10,000 blades (Progress: 9,839/10,000)]

There were only about two hundred left. It would be done today.

"Are you that nervous?"

Myungwoo stopped in his tracks. His eyes were bloodshot from lack of sleep.

"…I feel like I did it too quickly. If I rush and get a strange D-grade or lower, what will I do?"

"That won't happen."

I said firmly, took out Peace, and went to my room, bringing Piyak with me. Piyak perched on my head while I held Peace. They both clung to me, making it difficult. At least Piyak would stay away for a couple of hours if I gave him a mana stone, but Peace doesn't have that.

"But if something useless comes out, I'll be disappointed, right…?"

"Even if that happens, don't be too disappointed."

Of course, an SS-grade skill will come out, but if there's a system error, it won't change the fact that Myungwoo is a remarkable person. With the right direction, he could succeed and live comfortably right away.

"No, I meant you, not me…"

Myungwoo said with a sad expression. Huh? Me?

"Me? No, I won't be disappointed."

At my words, his sad face turned even sadder.

"You don't… have any expectations…?"

"No, no. I do have expectations. If I didn't, I wouldn't be waiting for the last day to go with you. But Myungwoo, you're already remarkable to me. Even if you don't get a skill, I won't be disappointed. Not just me, but Yelim often comes to raid the fridge."

One day, she grabbed me and started a long rant about how Myungwoo's cooking is so good that I shouldn't spread the word, as we don't have enough food.

"Frankly, you could make a fortune in the food industry, not just as a hunter. A proper restaurant would be busy and tiring, but a café would be fine. You could hire staff for drinks and make pastries or cakes to sell. If you want, I can help you get a franchise."

I'm against a proper restaurant because I'll be sad if Myungwoo gets too busy. I'll probably burst.

"…Thanks, but I don't really want to do that."

"Really?"

Surprising. …Could he not like cooking? But he didn't show any signs of it.

"Calm down and let's go down. We need to see the end."

"Okay."

As we walked to the entrance, Myungwoo suddenly stopped and turned to me.

"Whatever the result, I'm really grateful. I mean it. If you're not disappointed, I'll be fine."

"I won't be disappointed."

His expression brightened at my reassurance.

Myungwoo and I went down to the equipment management team. An A-grade hunter also accompanied us, and I was carrying Piyak and Peace, who refused to leave my arms. I brought them along because I hadn't paid attention to them recently due to continuous dungeon runs and other busy tasks.

The equipment management team's gaze was a bit strange, but whatever. Maybe I should have put Piyak on my shoulder instead of my head. But he doesn't balance well on my shoulder.

The workshop Myungwoo had been using had changed a lot since the first time he came. Two large shelves had been added, the organization was cleaner, and the lighting was brighter. The chair in front of the grinder looked more comfortable and better than before.

"They must have taken care of it."

Myungwoo scratched the back of his head, embarrassed.

"Yes. I work hard. One day, Minseok-ssi watched me sharpen a knife and suggested I join the equipment management team. He said my lack of strength could be compensated with equipment."

That's a natural reaction.

"You really are remarkable."

He smiled awkwardly, now clearly less tense.

Myungwoo took his place in front of the grinder. I brought the old chair from the corner and sat down. As the power was turned on and the machine started,

-Piyak!

Piyak, startled, flapped and rolled onto my lap, on top of Peace. I quickly caught him before he could run towards the machine, probably out of curiosity rather than fear.

"Stay still."

Meanwhile, Myungwoo was skillfully sharpening the knives. His movements were still precise, fast, and smooth.

[Sharpen 10,000 blades (Progress: 9,843/10,000)]

The numbers on the open status window kept rising. Peace seemed uninterested, but Piyak watched the knife sharpening with his beak open. I'm not sure what he was looking at, but it was a captivating sight even if you didn't understand it.

Before I could feel bored, the number broke 9,900. Ninety, twenty, thirty.

Usually, he would take a break after sharpening forty or fifty knives, but today he didn't stop for a moment. I was worried he might get sick again, but it was the last day, so it should be fine.

And finally,

Clang

The ten-thousandth knife fell onto the pile of knives on the floor.

(Progress: 10,000/10,000)

The condition in the status window disappeared. I looked at Myungwoo, who had stopped moving. On the surface, there was no change, but his gaze was fixed on something I couldn't see—a message window.

Did he succeed? Did it work properly?

I felt a sudden unease.

"…Myungwoo?"

Say something. Then, a rough breath was heard. A thick tear fell. The machine had completely stopped, and the scattered knife blades quietly reflected the light.

I waited. I didn't have to wait long.

The chair slid back, and Myungwoo stood up. His face, turned to me, was radiantly happy, without a trace of tears.

He looked confident.

"Yujin."

"Yes."

His voice was calm. Mine was more shaky.

"I got an SS-grade skill."

As soon as I heard those words, a smile naturally spread across my face. I laughed, as if I hadn't known it would happen. I was genuinely happy.

"Congratulations."

I didn't say much. It was enough, and he smiled too.

< Preparation Complete (2) > End

ⓒ Geunseo