Chapter 15: The world tree, Part 1

–So, you saved that family?

Back at the payphone.

Han So-Yeon chuckled after hearing the whole story from Jo Sung-Il.

–But how did you think of coming back here? You made a cool exit, wouldn’t the kid see you again?

“Well….”

–I guess you weren’t thinking much. But I suppose it would have been difficult to go anywhere else.

She was right.

He would have had to find another way to call if it wasn’t for this payphone.

He could have asked the family to borrow their phone, but that would have diminished the strong impression he had left.

It was better to return here, even if it was a bit awkward, than to risk doing something foolish and ruining things.

–Anyway, you’re the first monster I’ve met who cares about what others think.

“Is that so?”

–And how can you even transform in that state? You look like a fusion of human and monster.

She had noticed the human skin on his face.

“It’s similar to a dragon using polymorph. I can mimic a human form temporarily, but my true form is still a monster.”

–Okay, that’s enough about that. About our meeting place, can I choose it?

He didn’t care about the location, as long as it wasn’t too public.

“Tell me. I’ll cooperate as long as it’s somewhere I won’t be discovered.”

–My house.

Jo Sung-Il flinched, but he didn’t show it.

‘Her house?!’

His thoughts were in disarray.

‘Han So-Yeon’s house?’

Han So-Yeon was one of the most popular Hunters in Korea, adored by the nation.

Going to her house was practically offering himself up to the paparazzi.

–What’s wrong? Something seems to be bothering you.

Han So-Yeon sounded puzzled, then asked,

–Wait, is it because I’m a woman?

She was asking if he, also presumably male, was concerned about her gender.

Jo Sung-Il quickly waved his hand.

“That’s absurd. We’re different species.”

–Right. I thought that sounded weird as soon as I said it.

Han So-Yeon chuckled and explained the next steps for their meeting.

–I’ll send one of my colleagues to where you’re staying, with a package. I’ll put the cell phone in there, so use it to contact me.

“Colleague?”

Was she sending another Hunter to Olympic Stadium instead of coming herself?

–Please understand, even if you don’t like it. I don’t have an official mission, so a lot of people watch me when I go out.

“Who is this Hunter you’re sending?”

–Hmm. I can tell you, but will you know who it is?

He might.

Jo Sung-Il spoke again.

“It’s alright, just tell me.”

–My brother.

“What?!”

Han So-Yeon was surprised by his sudden outburst.

–What? Do you know my brother?

Han So-Yeon’s brother, Han Sung-Hyun.

A famous Hunter, almost as renowned as his sister, and the leader of Ranger, Korea’s top Guild.

He was originally lower ranked than Han So-Yeon, but his proficiency in using his abilities was comparable to an S-rank, earning him an A+ rank, higher than A-rank.

Although not officially an S-rank, his ability to summon a “Guardian Spirit” compensated for that.

Guardian Spirits were recognized as having the same rank as their summoner, so Han Sung-Hyun was essentially considered an S-rank, capable of wielding the power of two high-ranking Hunters.

Regardless of his abilities, Han Sung-Hyun was known for his meticulous and cautious nature.

He wasn’t the type to easily offer goodwill to a monster.

“…I don’t know him well, but I’ve seen him on TV occasionally.”

–Ah.

Han So-Yeon sighed.

–I see. He’s often on TV, so it’s not surprising you know him.

Seemingly convinced, she didn’t question him further.

–So you’re okay with it, right? My brother going there, I mean.

“I’m not okay with it.”

The leader of Ranger making a personal visit was just as conspicuous as Han So-Yeon herself going.

“He could expose me. He must know he attracts media attention too.”

–He does, but it’s different from me. No one’s brave enough to try and photograph him without his permission.

Jo Sung-Il tilted his head in confusion, and then Han So-Yeon explained,

–My brother absolutely hates reporters following him around. If they’re caught, he’ll either pull Ranger’s advertising from their news agency or ignore them during emergencies.

“…He’s more formidable than I thought.”

–So, he’s not that noticeable unless he’s making an official statement. Besides, he’ll shake off anyone who follows him. Do you understand now?

It was a sufficient explanation.

Jo Sung-Il nodded.

“I think we’ve covered everything. I should go now.”

–Already?

Han So-Yeon sounded disappointed.

–Talking to a rare monster is quite fun.

“I guess you don’t have much to do.”

Han So-Yeon didn’t respond to Jo Sung-Il’s remark.

Thinking he might have touched a sensitive topic, Jo Sung-Il quickly concluded the conversation.

“Anyway, I’ll be going now. I hope we can have a constructive conversation that benefits both of us when we meet. Goodbye.”

As Jo Sung-Il was about to hang up, she started saying something else.

‘No way.’

But Jo Sung-Il abruptly hung up after a curt reply.

“Sigh.”

His last words were, “I’m out of coins.”

“I can’t even make a collect call.”

‘I didn’t make any mistakes, did I?’

Talking face-to-face was different from talking on the phone.

He had been nervous but tried not to show it. He wasn’t sure if she had noticed.

“Huh?”

Turning his head, Jo Sung-Il saw the boy he had saved earlier.

“Ah!”

The boy saw Jo Sung-Il and started running towards him.

“Monster mister! Wait!”

Jo Sung-Il started running.

The boy waved and shouted,

“Wait for me! Wait, I said!”

Jo Sung-Il shook his head.

‘That performance was supposed to increase my energy charge rate!’

Meeting the boy again could lower the performance evaluation and reduce the efficiency of his digestion.

‘Oh?’

Then, Jo Sung-Il realized something crucial.

‘D*mn it, I didn’t eat it!’

He realized he hadn’t eaten a single bite of the monster he had defeated and clutched his head discreetly.

---

Olympic Stadium.

Returning to the place filled with spore smoke, Jo Sung-Il took a deep breath.

“Sigh, I guess this does feel like home.”

After everything he had been through, this place felt comfortable.

Thump, thump.

Back in his monster form, Jo Sung-Il greeted the World Tree.

“I’m back, World Tree.”
“…….”

Of course, there was no response.

He felt like Robinson Crusoe stranded on a desert island.

“It’s been a long day.”

Nevertheless, before squeezing himself into the stadium, Jo Sung-Il recounted his day to the World Tree, like writing in a diary.

He talked for about 30 minutes.

Feeling tired, he decided to end his one-sided conversation.

“Anyway, Han So-Yeon said her brother is coming to see me. Honestly, I’m worried he might try to subjugate me.”

Han So-Yeon and her brother had different personalities.

But it was widely known that Han Sung-Hyun was very protective of his sister.

He probably wouldn’t do anything she would strongly object to.

“I have no choice but to trust Han So-Yeon.”

He muttered and entered the stadium.

He was exhausted after a long day, and his little detour to wash himself in the Han River had taken its toll.

Rest was essential for facing the next day.

He planned to recover his depleted energy by sleeping.

“Alright, let’s rest.”

Jo Sung-Il curled up inside the stadium, yawning and stretching.

He was now completely used to this body.

It no longer felt overwhelmingly large.

“World Tree.”

He murmured before closing his eyes.

“Goodnight.”

And the next day, when he opened his eyes.

“Huh?”

The World Tree was gone.