It felt like the aftermath of a hurricane had just swept through.
There wasn't a single person left unscathed. Even those with flight skills were in the same predicament. Thanks to the waterproofing of the broadcasting equipment, the broadcast was barely saved from interruption - it could have easily been halted.
"Sir, did you witness how decisively she won?"
Yerim descended towards us, who were back on the ground.
"Yeah, she was truly amazing! Did she intentionally avoid using some skills?"
He lowered his voice after the statement. Yerim understood immediately and nodded.
"If I used everything, it would end too quickly. It seemed wasteful against an S-rank Hunter by the sea"
Yerim spoke quietly as well. Indeed, it's not often you get the chance to practice skills freely against an S-rank Hunter. Especially on a stage where you can fly like this. Even though there is a sea environment inside dungeons these days, it's not very stable. Errors might occur right after consuming a considerable amount of mana and health, and high-level monsters might pop up.
"Mistress of Sea, congratulations on your victory!"
Moon Hyun playfully remarked, and Yerim burst into laughter. Both she and Sung Hyeonje, who came together, were soaked. Mingyu and Noah were the same. Fortunately, it's warm today; otherwise, only I would have been affected by catching a cold.
Everyone else is excessively healthy.
"Sisio-nim!"
At that moment, a shout from the other side reached us. When I turned my head to see, Gakuto was kneeling in front of Mr. Sisio. The lion king looked drenched, too, and his mane was gone, probably swept away by the water.
"I have betrayed Sir Sisio's trust! I Iwahata Gakuto will repay it with death!"
What is he saying? Killing a valuable S-rank Hunter just because he went mad from such a trivial matter. Even if he's a foreigner, S-rank Hunters are precious.
"Iwahata Gakuto."
Sir Sisio spoke solemnly. It felt like watching a play.
"Winning and losing is part of the game. Didn't I say that even if you lose a comrade and use a Gate Stone, as long as you come out alive, you can challenge the dungeon again? As long as you cling to life, there will always be a chance for redemption. So, instead of being sad about defeat, hone yourself."
"Thank you, Sisio-nim!"
Gakuto shouted, slamming his head onto the ground. Well, he's not entirely wrong. But still, it's quite absurd. It's better for the S-rank Hunter to recover from being drenched in water rather than going crazy. In comparison, Sir Sisio seems much better than the Japanese government.
Seeing the members of Amaterasu Guild around us making impressed expressions, I quietly excused myself. Should I applaud them? Or just leave?
"... Let's hurry back and take a shower."
Seawater is sticky. Ever since I came to Japan, I feel like I spend half of my day submerged in water.
I returned to the lodging, took a shower, and came out to observe the atmosphere of both countries' broadcasts. In Korea, it was still a festive mood. Along with the replay of the battle scenes, the reactions of the citizens were being shown.
[Yes! This scene right here! IsPeninsula swept away with a single gesture from Hunter Park Yerim! Truly a fitting sight for the title of 'Mistress of Sea'!]
[Aah, no matter how many times I watch, it's nothing but admiration! It's so refreshing!]
'Yerim will be busy for a while.'
All sorts of requests will be pouring in. The Haeyeon PR team's phones are probably ringing off the hook right now. Even though it's bothersome, helping out a bit at times like this will be beneficial in the long run.
On the other hand, Japanese broadcasting was delving into analysis following the defeat. The seaside location proved to be a considerable disadvantage, and they emphasized that the Dungeon of the Black Bull Forest held no special value without monster breeding skills.
[The first international showdown of S-rank Hunters, led by Japan, held on Japanese soil, truly provides significant results.]
[Yes, yes. It clearly demonstrated the influence and capabilities of the Amaterasu Guild.]
Ah, yes. Please let it be just for a moment. After the information about the stamina potion is revealed, I'll become the center of attention, so I'll have to think about what to say when that time comes. I'm curious about how they'll justify it on Japanese television.
"Han Yoohyun Hunter-nim, Director Han Yoojin."
I was watching TV while snacking in the living room when members of the Amaterasu Guild came.
"Sisio-nim wishes to have a conversation regarding the Dungeon of the Black Bull Forest."
It's probably because the dungeon is still not given up willingly, and it might be about the items. The dungeon is not as regrettable as it might seem, and perhaps it's because of the Thunderbird's plume. I was about to change my clothes to enter my room, but the guild members said it was fine for them to come in comfortably.
I joined Yoohyun to meet the Amaterasu Guild members. The place they led us to was a separate building like a guesthouse. In the wide reception room, Sisio-nim and a man I hadn't seen before were sitting.
"I'm Sato Kiyoshi."
He introduced himself as the adviser to the Amaterasu Guild. He looked quite young for the role of an adviser, maybe early forties? Hunters, especially those working with dungeons, needed to be relatively young and have experience in conquering dungeons.
"First, congratulations on Hunter Park Yerim's victory. We were cleanly defeated. Hunter Park Yerim's skills were truly outstanding."
Sisio said, raising both hands to show appreciation.
"We'll hand over the dungeon without any hesitation. The problem lies with the Thunderbird's plume."
"Our initial plan was to announce that after Hunter Iwahata Gakuto's victory and receiving the Slime Dungeon, we would express condolences to the Haeyeon Guild and present it as a gift."
Kiyoshi explained. They might have planned to use that as an excuse, pressing about the Flame Horn Lion Dungeon. Even though they lost fairly and received the Slime Dungeon, giving an SS-grade item as a gift might be their way of compensating.
But we won. We've got the plume anyway, and the underwater contract is over. It's time to wash my mouth, but it's somewhat embarrassing to use the plume so openly. People who know that the Amaterasu Guild has the Thunderbird's plume are numerous, so making it public may lead to unnecessary questions about the connection with Japan.
'Indeed, it's better to confidently state that the Amaterasu Guild gave it.'
They gave us the dungeon and an SS-grade item. We'll probably look like a big sucker.
"Since it turned out this way, why not generously give it as a commemorative gift? After all, you're the best guild in Japan. Let the whole world know how magnanimous you are. It's the first officially broadcast S-rank Hunter battle between nations, so people from all countries are watching. On the day I return to Korea, Guild Master Haeyeon, wearing the Thunderbird's plume, can appear. You can proudly announce that not only did you receive the Thunderbird's plume, but also that the Amaterasu Guild gave an SS-grade item. How impressive would that be? Just giving away an SS-grade, not even an S-grade, that kind of tremendous generosity!"
What a huge sucker.
"Ho."
Sisio made an impressed expression. Yes, he likes to show off.
"It's so generous. As expected of the Lion King! Even after losing in a battle and handing over the dungeon, you go as far as to give even more in the form of a gift. This boldness, giving even more after losing, is truly a heroic aspect reminiscent of ancient heroes. Rather than feeling sorry for losing one, you even give one more, displaying a broad-mindedness that everyone can look up to."
Even though he threw out any words, the Lion King was smiling contentedly. Simple and good.
"Of course, I have vast discretion and generosity. It's absolutely not because I found it wasteful to give the SS-grade item!"
"Of course. That's what I thought."
"But to give away an SS-grade item without any compensation...."
Kiyoshi interjected without any tact. Despite the fact that he did his job, both I and Sisio were looking at him with ruined expressions. Still, Kiyoshi persistently continued.
"At least, that is, even if it's a little, shouldn't you receive some compensation, even underwater...?"
You've had a hard time. Pushing too much might make even someone like the Lion King uncomfortable.
"Well, it would be awkward if we received it for free, Guild Master Haeyeon."
I said, turning to Yoohyun sitting next to me.
"As a response to the Amaterasu Guild Master's kindness, what if we give them priority when we obtain a new Flame Horn Lion cub in the future?"
"Priority, you say?"
Yoohyun, glancing at me, used polite language awkwardly. You can speak more casually.
"Yes, it's more like the right to negotiate first. There will be numerous guilds worldwide that desire an S-rank baby Thunderbird, and the competition will be fierce. Moreover, the Amaterasu Guild Master doesn't even have fire attribute skills, so lacking legitimacy, there's a high chance of being pushed aside in simple competition. So, if it's a priority, it would be a substantial reward in return."
Yoohyun, still awkward, nodded in agreement with my words.
"Director Han's words make sense, I suppose."
You can speak more comfortably, like the Lion King. Anyway, it seems Guild Master Haeyeon also agreed; I turned my head forward again.
"As an extra, we'll also give priority in managing the breeding grounds. You've seen how overseas guilds are lining up, right? Since the Amaterasu Guild generously provided, I also want to return the favor somehow. People's hearts are complicated."
We are doing extremely well. Of course, we'll accept all compensation, and in reality, we're just putting on a show. We don't know when the Flame Horn Lion cub will appear, or if it will.
Even so, Sisio seemed very satisfied, and next to him, Kiyoshi seemed to have some sense, with his face in shadowy contrast.
"Good! Let's do that! I'll announce it right away!"
That's even better.
"I'd like to enter the Black Bull Forest Dungeon for confirmation right away, tomorrow. Is that possible?"
Sisio readily agreed to prepare. However, he mentioned that it might not be properly strategized because it was not long after the reset.
Sometimes, if you enter the dungeon right after the reset, the boss monster may not appear, making it impossible to strategize. Although the escape gate appears after defeating all normal monsters, it doesn't count as a proper strategy. Therefore, to avoid unnecessary effort, we start strategizing A-rank dungeons one week after the reset.
After settling these minor matters, we left.
Returning to the room, I spoke quietly to Yoo-hyun.
"Go ahead and do as you wish after the dungeon. We'll announce the gift of the plume right away, so there's nothing to worry about."
"Still, it feels like I'm fighting right after receiving a gift. Is that okay?"
"Just skillfully handle the Lion King. He's not the type to refuse. We can keep it private if you want. There are many uninhabited islands around here, right? You can choose one. Rather than priority for the Flame Horn Lion cub, let's definitively offer it as bait. Yeah, let's propose that we feel sorry for just receiving the plume and lightly mix it up as compensation."
"Okay."
Yoohyun responded with a smile. He already seemed excited. What could he unveil this time? Is there an S-rank weapon available, or maybe an S-rank outerwear suitable for Yerim?
"Be careful and come back safely."
Myeongwoo, carrying Chirpie and Velare, said. Except for Myeongwoo, all the others in our group planned to enter the Black Bull Forest Dungeon together. Originally, one or two were expected to stay at the hotel with Myeongwoo initially, but he refused, saying it might interfere in case of an emergency.
He doesn't have much to worry about himself, and he can escape to the forge whenever he wants. So, it's more comfortable for him to be alone. Splitting into two teams would reduce the number of our team members compared to the Japanese S-rank Hunter, so it was better for everyone to stay together.
"Watch out for velare's poison. I'll be counting on you."
"Don't worry. I have resistance gear and an antidote. As long as you get Ismuar's help when it's serious, it's fine."
he showed her wrist where Velare was wrapped and chirpie flapping his wings.
The Black Bull Forest Dungeon was about a three-hour helicopter ride from Tokyo. Following the guidance of the Amaterasu Guild members, we entered the dungeon building.
"Please be careful in the separate forest along the way. Yoohyun, of course, and Mr. Sung Hyunjae, don't use any skills. It might all burn down in an instant."
"Got it."
"Keep it in mind."
The dungeon strategy itself would be over quickly. How many S-rank Hunters are there? I might not be able to get close to even a fly around here, but nonetheless, I used the grace as an A-rank level and entered the gate with the others.
As the thick scent of grass surrounded me, the forest stretched out. At the moment, as if growing in size, Peace pressed against me.
The space distorted. Without time to react, the surroundings changed in an instant, as if melting away, and my vision turned black.
'What is this!'
For a moment, I stood there in confusion, groping around for what to do. Briefly, the view returned as my surroundings turned black.
What entered my eyes was not a dense forest but a narrow and empty space, like a room.
In that space, everyone except me, including Peace, seemed to lose consciousness and collapsed. For a moment, my heart sank. The fear resistance message appeared in front of my eyes.
"Yoohyun!"
Rushing over in a panic, I crouched next to my brother, who seemed to have collapsed. Thankfully, he was breathing, and his chest was rising and falling.
"Yoohyun, are you okay? Wake up!"
There didn't seem to be anything physically wrong with him. It looked like he was just asleep, but there was no sign of waking up. After thoroughly checking his condition, I moved on to check others. Yerim, Noah, Moon hyuna, even Peace - they all seemed to be in a deep sleep. Their color and breathing were normal.
And Sung Hyun-jae too.
"...It's quite strange."
His limp appearance made it awkward. Is he really unconscious?
"Hey, Guild Master Seseong."
I gently tapped his cheek, but there was no response. His body lay there as if he was sound asleep. No sign of waking up.
"Honey!"
A voice, sounding young and unfamiliar, echoed.
---
Yo( ꈍᴗꈍ)
Thunderbirds plume is the coat with thunder resistance if I'm not mistaken
Note: Next 2 chapters are side stories (GOING TO THE POOL)