Absence 1

He failed.

He couldn’t even properly perform the task of binding feet.

His body is frozen stiff, unable to move at all.

“…It seems the other side has lost too.”

And the ally has also died.

It was the worst situation imaginable.

“This is troublesome.”

The commander was, as far as he knew, the one and only Awakener who could stand against Lee Yeon.

To think that such an Awakener was defeated.

“From now on, how should…”

He was worried about the future.

It was at that moment.

“…Cough.”

Blood pours from Lee Si-woo’s mouth.

An alien sensation tore through his body.

“What…”

“Wow, this bastard was here. Didn’t he appear much later in the original story?”

Turning his gaze, what he sees is a young man with black hair and black eyes.

A young man with an appearance rare, almost non-existent, in these times.

“Aha…! So the original story was distorted because of that ‘traitorous bitch’!”

The young man, as if excited.

Muttered incomprehensible words to himself.

“You, who are you…”

“Sorry. I just had a really shitty thing happen to me, you know? I was feeling shitty, so I just stabbed you since I saw you passing by.”

“…For such a ridiculous reason.”

“What are you saying? You criminal bastard.”

Words he wanted to say welled up to his chest, but he had no strength to utter them.

“Don’t piss me off and quickly offer up your experience points, okay? I’m really feeling shitty right now.”

Is this how I die here?

So, so futilely…?

“Ah, right. This bastard was a character with quite a past, wasn’t he?”

The young man laughed.

It was a clear sneer.

“I’ll tell you. How your superior died.”

“…!”

As if in the tone of an omniscient god.

The truth was confessed.

“You see, Lee Yeon conducted human experiments.”

“…Experiments, you say.”

“Yeah. To be precise, she dissected the corpses of dead Awakeners to research how the human body interacts with mana.”

This was a fact unknown not only to the citizens enjoying the infinite glory of the Republic of Korea but also to foreigners envious of its prosperity.

“Don’t you think it’s strange? Mana was discovered less than 20 years ago. But why was our country able to advance so much in mana research?”

“…You’re saying it’s all thanks to the results of human experiments.”

Snicker.

As if something was so funny, the young man laughed.

That was the correct answer.

When humans first discovered fire, it took a long time of learning to make it their own.

Mana is like that first fire.

Originally, it would have taken much more time for humanity to learn it properly.

“Your commander found out about this. He was a military guy, right? He had some connections with TROKA, you know.”

Other countries are like that.

The reason why only South Korea could develop in a purely linear way is one.

The Leader of the People merely led it that way.

“So he noticed and went to investigate, and was killed by Lee Yeon right there.”

It’s a fitting end for him.

One who didn’t run away when faced with injustice.

“Ah…”

Strength, leaves him.

Just when he finally learned the truth.

‘…I wonder if he’ll be angry.’

No more, anything.

‘Seeing such a dog’s death, that person…’

With that final thought.

Lee Si-woo, breathed his last.

[You have gained 100000 Exp.]

“Tch, so stingy.”

The young man complained.

He killed a named character, for crying out loud.

The absurd situation where that traitorous bitch ran away with the heroine.

This much wasn’t enough to vent his frustration.

─Ding.

Even so, just 100,000 experience points? What’s that about?

[Hidden Quest!]

As if waiting for him.

Letters appear in mid-air.

[Dispose of TROKA!]

[Difficulty: S]

[TROKA is a terrorist organization threatening the safety of South Korean citizens. Although their leader has been dealt with, they are still criminals targeting the lives of innocent citizens. Hunt them all down.]

The meaning of the message that appeared was simple.

“Whoo-hoo.”

Having lost Kim Il-soo, TROKA is now a useless group.

[The Constellation ‘Assistant of the Abyss’ is pleased with your reaction.]

Then isn’t it better to use them for experience points at least?

The two terrorist attacks were forgotten for just a moment.

South Korea was turned upside down by three consecutive terrorist attacks.

What was particularly problematic was that an Academy student was directly harmed.

The fact that the victim was Lee Ha-yul, a genius with a promising future as the student council president.

Many things happened.

Some faculty members resigned to take responsibility.

The Prime Minister of Japan, where the terrorism occurred, came to Korea in person and knelt down.

The Leader of the People scolded the Management Bureau severely for failing to prevent such crimes, saying this must never happen again.

“Sister…”

Han Seoyeon stayed blankly by Lee Ha-yul’s side, who was on an oxygen respirator.

Despite vowing so many times.

Han Suho once again failed to prevent Han Seoyeon from getting hurt.

“…I’m sorry.”

Michaela bowed her head before her.

As if she had committed a crime.

She couldn’t blame her.

She too was just a victim.

For Han Seoyeon, for Michaela, for Lee Ha-yul.

None of them were at fault.

The one who hurt them, they don’t even know where he is or what he’s doing now.

“Even though I promised to protect you.”

Not the perpetrator.

Only the victims were hurt.

She was frustrated.

She felt miserable.

More than that, she was gripped by a sense of powerlessness, unable to do anything.

Han Suho left the hospital.

Where she headed was none other than the hunting ground.

The reason was extremely simple.

Because she was self-reliant, she had to earn money.

Sponsors are not eternal beings.

They could disappear at any time.

So in the end, all she could do was work hard on her own.

That was true healthy independence.

There were many expenses.

Not just rent and food costs, but also weapon repairs and costs for butchering hunted magic stones.

If she doesn’t earn even for a day, it disrupts her planned household budget.

Han Suho received freedom from her sister.

Then she firmly believes that enjoying healthy freedom is the way to repay that grace.

However, on a day like today, her thoughts were a bit different.

What was she doing while her sister was being targeted by terrorism?

She worked hard to earn money every day.

That lifestyle certainly shouldn’t be criticized as bad.

But while she spent her days in the hunting grounds.

While she focused on the value of money, her sister was attacked by terrorists.

Even while she’s suffering.

She shamelessly can’t stay by her side.

Poverty was a painful word.

Han Suho probably sympathized with her biological father’s words for the first time in her life.

“Hey, you there.”

“Are you calling me?”

“Who else would I be calling?”

In an instant.

An unknown group approached her.

“…What do you want?”

“Come on, there’s a limit to being shameless.”

They uttered words that Han Suho found difficult to understand.

“This hunting ground is exclusively controlled by our guild, you know?”

“Exclusive…?”

“That’s right. Exclusive.”

Han Suho tilted her head.

Exclusive.

By dictionary definition, an economic phenomenon where an individual or a single organization excludes other competitors and dominates the market to monopolize profits.

What does that have to do with hunting grounds?

Hunting grounds are just places to hunt monsters.

“Originally, each guild has agreed-upon places for hunting grounds, you know?”

Guild.

A private interest group of hunters.

In today’s world where the strength of abilities directly translates to power, these were armed groups surpassing state power.

In foreign countries, these guilds are no different from warlords.

That’s just a story from foreign countries.

Under the name of the Leader of the People and the Management Bureau, guilds that broke the law have long been disbanded or disappeared as dew on the execution ground.

“Anyway, this is a place we manage.”

Occasionally, like this.

There were those who abused power precariously in the blind spots of the law.

“It’s troublesome if you use it carelessly. This is a place we manage!”

“…I’m sorry.”

Han Suho apologized to them obediently.

She was still ignorant about the daily life of ordinary people.

Of course, it wasn’t because Han Suho was ignorant of the laws regarding hunting grounds.

Rather, she probably knew more about the law than they did.

The reason she bowed her head despite this was.

Because she considered it respect.

The young lady from a wealthy family vaguely thought this was a custom of ordinary people.

It was her conduct to live alongside them.

“When I came before, there was no such restriction, so I didn’t know.”

“You mean you hunted here even when we weren’t around? This is troublesome…”

The group sneered.

“We’ll have to reclaim all the money you’ve earned so far.”

“You mean the full amount?”

“Are you saying you can’t pay it back?”

She does have some savings.

But it wasn’t easy to return the full amount.

“…Could you give me some time?”

“Are you kidding now? We need to make a living too! You hunted the monsters we manage on your own, and if you can’t pay right away, what are we supposed to live on!”

They kept getting angry, as if they had suffered losses.

“Sigh…. Well, there is a way…”

“What is it? If there’s anything I can do, I’ll do my best.”

“It’s nothing much. Just join our guild.”

His gaze was on Han Suho.

To be a bit more explicit, it was as if he was looking her over like merchandise, from her face to her chest area.

“How about it? If you just join the guild, you don’t have to return the money you earned.”

“…That’s.”

Guilds in South Korea are a kind of corporation.

Han Suho was a student.

Of course, she had to hesitate.

Academy students were prohibited from joining guilds.

“What, do you have any other solution then?”

“…”

“Do you think we’re dog dicks? Then we have no choice but to do this by the law!”

The man raised his voice and yelled at Han Suho.

And then.

“Just hurry up and say you’ll join─!”

“Yeah. You do look like dog dicks. So what?”

The following answer was not from her.

But from a voice that landed beside her.

“Seriously, these trash are really crazy. Trying to scam a newbie.”

She turns her gaze.

Han Suho looked at the owner of the voice.

Purple short hair.

The color of her eyes was so deep, if one had to describe it, it was as if they contained the universe.

…If there was anything peculiar, it was that.

Despite being a woman, her ‘mental capacity’ was so broad that one wouldn’t even focus on her appearance.

“Who the hell are you to butt into our business!”

“Bullshit.”

The woman, in a cold voice, as if it wasn’t even worth replying.

Continued the conversation in a contemptuous tone.

“Th-This is a hunting ground managed by our guild! Outsiders can’t just…”

“What nonsense is this about guilds managing hunting grounds? I’ve never heard of such a thing.”

“That’s obviously…!”

“Should we file a complaint to the Management Bureau to check?”

“…”

Gulp.

The group swallowed dry saliva in unison, as if they had made a promise.

The Hunter Management Bureau strictly manages private guilds.

It was because of the will of the Leader of the People.

The situation is already unsettled due to terrorism.

Moreover, isn’t it a famous story that a guild that committed deviant acts was disbanded even though a Gate appeared in Daejeon just a few weeks ago?

“…”

“What are you doing? Get lost quickly.”

The group backed away and then turned tail.

Once they disappeared from sight, the woman made a phone call.

“Ah, yes. Is this the Guild Support Department of the Hunter Management Bureau? I have something to report…”

After finishing the call, the woman mocked the group.

“…Idiots.”

She then turned her head.

This time, wearing a smile of relief on her face, not mockery.

“Are you okay?”

“Yes.”

The matter was resolved far too simply.

Unimaginably so for a newcomer to society.

“Thank you for helping me.”

“Don’t worry about it. It’s a common tactic. They do all sorts of bullying to newbies who don’t know anything, then force them to join their guild. With slave contracts to boot.”

“…Was that what it was?”

“Yeah. So you didn’t do anything wrong, that’s what I’m saying.”

It was crude malice.

Of a kind Han Suho had never experienced.

That’s why she didn’t notice.

That even in this low place, there could be such underhanded dealings.

“By the way.”

The woman was genuinely puzzled.

“Did you really believe everything they said at face value?”

“…”

“Pfft.”

“I don’t think it’s something to laugh at.”

“No, sorry! Honestly, it’s not easy to fall for this kind of tactic unless you’re quite a pushover…!”

The woman seemed to be trying hard to hold back her laughter.

But it didn’t seem easy.

“Unless you’re some daughter of a wealthy family or something, there’s honestly no one who falls for such an obvious tactic.”

“…”

Han Suho felt like she had been hit right on the mark.

Looking back, it certainly was an obvious tactic, just as she said.

To have been intimidated by such an obvious tactic.

To have been flustered by those she could have knocked down with a single gesture, it was an embarrassing story.

“Be careful next time. Well then…”

“Your name.”

However.

“Could you tell me your name?”

“Why? Suddenly.”

“If I get the chance later, I’d like to repay you somehow.”

“…I think I understand why you fell for the scam just from that one sentence.”

However, repaying kindness to a benefactor was not something to be ashamed of.

So Han Suho asked.

“Sua, Yoo Sua.”

The woman, Yoo Sua, answered.

“There’s no need to repay me or anything. Don’t dwell on it. Originally, that’s how the world works, we all help each other, right?”

It was advice from a senior in life.

Who had her fate saved by pure chance from a passing stranger.