Chapter 109

[Translator - Hestia]

[Proofreader - Kaya]

Chapter 109: A Belated Reward

A massive building stood opposite the Supreme Court of Seoul.

This was the headquarters of the Hunter Association, an institution established after the Great Cataclysm.

【Time sure flies. Who would’ve thought a building like this would pop up in the heart of Seoul?】

“If anyone heard you, they’d think you haven’t set foot in Seoul for 35 years.”

【Hmph. Try dying once and coming back. Everything will feel new again.】

Fafnir’s disgruntled tone made Yoojin chuckle.

A feeling of familiarity mixed with strangeness.

Even Yoojin, who had turned back time, felt the same way as Fafnir.

Bzzzz—

The sliding doors parted.

As they stepped inside without hesitation, a spacious lobby unfolded before them.

【Why are the doors so small when the inside is this big?】

“Ever consider that maybe you’re just too big?”

【Master. Careless words can hurt others, you know.】

“And yet you were so happy with that body.”

Guards eyed Yoojin and his companion with wary expressions.

Thud—Thud—

With every step Fafnir took, a heavy sound echoed, drawing everyone's attention.

“Why is there an undead in the Association?”

“Oh, wait! That undead—he’s that guy’s summon!”

“Cheon Yoojin?”

“No way. Wow. The press conference articles are already spreading.”

“Then did he come straight to the Association right after the conference?”

Recognizing Yoojin and Fafnir, murmurs spread among the onlookers.

The guards, who had initially been tense, visibly relaxed.

Moments like these made Yoojin think that fame wasn’t all bad.

【People sure love to gossip.】

“Well, that’s just how people are.”

【If they’re gonna talk, they might as well say it to my face.】

‘Yeah, right. They probably don’t want to get anywhere near you just from the sound of your footsteps.’

Not long after they entered the lobby, a staff member rushed toward Yoojin.

“You’re Hunter Cheon Yoojin, correct?”

“Yes, that’s me.”

“I’m Yang Seongsu, Head of the Development Department. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

After a brief handshake, Yang Seongsu led the two to the elevator.

“The Development Department is on the 5th floor.”

The doors opened.

The moment Fafnir stepped inside with confidence—

BEEEEEP!

A loud warning alarm blared.

【Hmm?】

“You didn’t even check how much a Draconian weighs before stepping in?”

【Hold on. You mean to tell me this thing can’t even handle one of me?!】

“What else? You’re taking the stairs.”

【T-This... %$#∂$@!!! How unbelievably rude!!!】

Fafnir cursed furiously for a while before stomping off toward the stairs, huffing in frustration.

‘What’s his problem?‘

“He’s quite the... unique summon.”

“I give him a lot of autonomy, that’s all.”

Yang Seongsu let out an awkward chuckle.

Once the brief commotion settled, Yoojin got straight to the point.

“I want the rights to develop the border region, including Kaesong.”

“I saw the articles about that. Quite the ambitious plan.”

“I only said it because I believe it’s possible.”

“There shouldn’t be any legal hurdles. The former DMZ has been abandoned for so long since the Korean War that it’s hard for anyone to claim ownership.”

Yang Seongsu chuckled, then added—

“Not to mention, no one in their right mind would want an erosion zone that constantly spawns monsters.”

“But Kaesong is a different story, isn’t it?”

“Ah, right. The Kaesong Industrial Complex was still in operation right up until the Great Cataclysm. That could complicate things.”

“Just in case, I wanted to bring this up with you, Hunter Cheon Yoojin.”

Yang Seongsu fidgeted with his hands.

A flicker of emotion passed through his eyes—hesitation, uncertainty, and then a firm resolve.

“I know it’s not my place, but I need to say this.”

“Go ahead.”

“Manhunters aren’t an enemy to be taken lightly.”

A long scar stretched across the back of his hand.

As he spoke, Yang Seongsu absentmindedly ran his fingers over the old wound.

“This scar... I got it during the first monster wave.”

“You were on the front lines, then.”

“I work behind a desk now, but back then, I fought face-to-face with the Manhunters.”

His hand trembled slightly.

Even after all these years, his body still remembered the terror.

“They’re monsters who tame monsters. There’s no better way to describe them.”

Manhunters didn’t just tame any ordinary beasts.

Hobgoblins.

Orc Lords.

Lizard Kings.

They bent high-ranking, commander-class monsters to their will, and in doing so, controlled entire hordes.

“Paju was devastated, and even after the battle, the city turned into a slum—all because of the Manhunters.”

Back then, even the Hunters of the Association barely managed to survive.

If, for some unknown reason, the monsters’ advance hadn’t slowed down...

That scar on Yang Seongsu’s hand wouldn’t be there—because he wouldn’t have lived to bear it.

“The monsters they tame are nothing like the ones from the Gates.”

“They fight with strategy, not just instinct.”

“How do you know that?”

“I fought them recently.”

Yoojin then thought―

‘Well, technically, I just mixed in some pre-regression experience. Back when I fought on Yeonpyeong Island, all I did was mindlessly toss ogres and trolls into the sea.’

“Do you really think it’s possible to drive out the Manhunters?”

“Like I said earlier, I wouldn’t have brought it up if I didn’t think it was possible.”

Without a hint of hesitation, Yoojin answered.

“In my first year as a Hunter, I took down the Rakshasa Guild and Mad Dog.”

“I saw the press conference footage.”

“Give me two more years, and I will take down all the Manhunters.”

Seeing Yoojin’s unwavering confidence, Yang Seongsu bit his lip before finally speaking.

“I’ll take your word for it.”

The doubt lingering in his eyes disappeared.

“You don’t need to worry about the paperwork anymore.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’ll personally make sure everything related to your request—meaning all redevelopment efforts in the northern territories—gets approved.”

Yang Seongsu was a first-generation Hunter.

He was also a veteran in the Association, someone with both experience and connections.

Respected within the organization and well-acquainted with the higher-ups, he held significant influence.

‘It’s been so long since I’ve seen a Hunter with both extraordinary talent and an unbreakable will.’

He wanted to help.

Even though they had only spoken for a short time, Yang Seongsu quickly recognized Yoojin’s true nature.

And beyond that...

If Yoojin truly managed to eliminate the Manhunters as he claimed, it would settle a 35-year-old debt.

To Yang Seongsu, there was no question—he had to help.

〔A true hero always inspires others. It seems sincerity does reach people after all.〕

‘Huh? I already knew about his past.’

Why else would Yoojin have specifically asked Chairman Jin to introduce him to Yang Seongsu, the Head of the Development Department?

He had long been aware of what the man had gone through during the monster wave.

‘Didn’t he say he had a hell of a time dealing with the Kaesong Industrial Complex issue?’

Before the regression, Yang Seongsu had been the biggest help when it came to securing official control over Kaesong.

He had a deep grudge against the Manhunters.

Even after retirement, he had pulled every string from his past connections to assist Yoojin.

‘And now that he’s still active? Even better.’

With him on board, all the tedious processes would either be streamlined or outright skipped.

Yoojin held back a grin.

‘Man, regression is sweet.’

〔The world is doomed. Doomed, I say!〕

He ignored Kronos’s grumbling.

Whoever had created the relic that made regression possible—no, whichever Constellation had made it—sure did like to complain.

“If you need anything else, just say the word. I’ll do everything I can to help.”

“I’ll take you up on that when it’s time to hunt down the Manhunters.”

“I’ll be waiting for your call, Hunter Cheon Yoojin.”

The two men shook hands.

Then, as if something had just occurred to him, Yoojin shifted the conversation.

“Ah. This isn’t about redevelopment, but I wanted to ask you something.”

“What is it?”

“The list of Hunters who died during the first monster wave—you were the one who compiled it, correct?”

“That’s right. I was still on active duty at the time. Oh, but I already mentioned that, didn’t I?”

“Do you take reports on missing names?”

Sssshh—!

Behind Yoojin, Fafnir’s glowing eyes flared intensely.

＊ ＊ ＊

"My ability is to bring back the dead."

At Yoojin’s calm statement, Yang Seongsu swallowed hard.

"Are you sure it’s okay to reveal such a major secret?"

"The Association probably has a rough idea already."

The fact that the Rakshasa Guild suffered a crushing defeat against Yoojin had spread widely, thanks to Madam pulling some strings behind the scenes.

Once a rumor catches on, it snowballs like an avalanche rolling downhill.

With testimonies from surviving mercenaries and Rakshasa Guild members, much of Yoojin’s hidden abilities had already been exposed.

"There’s nothing more reliable than hearing it straight from the source."

Yang Seongsu didn’t deny it. No point in holding back—better to lay everything on the table quickly.

"My summon was once a Hunter who died during the First Monster Wave."

"He doesn’t look human."

"That’s because I infused a lingering spirit into the body of a monster."

"I don’t know which Constellation you serve, but they’ve granted you an incredible ability."

‘Sigh. He really shouldn’t say things like that so casually. If Kronos heard it, he’d get an even bigger ego.’

"Forgive me, but… may I ask your summon’s name?"

【…Park Haneul.】

Fafnir spoke slowly, as if carefully chewing over the name he had buried along with his past.

Yang Seongsu let out a contemplative hum before finally speaking.

"I see… so it’s him."

"You recognize the name?"

"He was a well-known martial arts Hunter during the Cataclysm. I heard he vanished without a trace."

【As you can see, I didn’t disappear by choice. I was erased.】

Fafnir muttered bitterly.

Yoojin held out a USB drive.

"This contains the data that led me to find Park Haneul’s lingering spirit."

"…This was something the Association should have done. Thank you."

"I only compiled the information while searching for powerful lost souls."

"I’ll take a look at it right away."

Yang Seongsu took the USB and stood up from his seat.

【Master.】

"Don’t say anything."

【You changed my name for the sake of revenge. But now…!】

"Things with Arhan have already passed the point of no return. Whether they know your true identity or not, it doesn’t change anything."

There were two reasons why Yoojin had given him a new name:

To sever ties with the past.

And for vengeance.

After the Monster Wave, Baek Seonghyeon had erased most of the records, making it nearly impossible to track down the name Park Haneul.

Even with the memories from his regression, Yoojin had struggled to piece everything together.

【Even so!】

"No… I’m sorry I didn’t restore your honor and name sooner."

Developing Kaesong and the border regions was important.

But restoring Fafnir’s honor carried just as much weight.

‘That was something I failed to do in my past life.’

Yoojin clenched his jaw, forcing down the bitter smile that threatened to surface.

Meeting Park Haneul more than ten years earlier than in his previous life…

Back then, he had lost most of his memories and emotions, lingering in that ruined land, consumed solely by the flame of revenge.

Even if his honor had been restored…

The Park Haneul of his past life would have felt nothing.

‘I didn’t have the luxury for it back then, anyway.’

Bringing down Arhan had been satisfying, but in the aftermath, the looming shadow of the Romanov clan had moved swiftly to suppress Yoojin.

One of the Seven Great Clans.

Because the Mage King, Dmitri, personally got involved, there was never even a chance to invest time in restoring Park Haneul’s honor.

‘But things are different now.’

Before and after his regression, there was no one Yoojin trusted more—as both a loyal subordinate and a true comrade.

That’s why he wanted to restore the honor of the man once known as Park Haneul, now called Fafnir.

【Master… why go this far?】

"Isn't it obvious? You’re my champion."

To truly explain, he’d have to go back to his previous life.

But since that wasn’t something he could reveal just yet, this would have to be enough.

"I’ve reviewed the data you provided."

"And?"

"After cross-checking, everything checks out—it’s all legitimate."

"That’s a relief. I was worried the Hunter Association might refuse to acknowledge it."

Baek Seonghyeon had been thorough—so much so that it was almost as if Park Haneul had never existed.

For the first Hunter in Korea to reach 6 Stars after the Cataclysm, being erased this completely was nothing short of unnatural.

It wasn’t just cover-up work. It was systematic obliteration.

"Hunter Park Haneul, sir…"

【Call me Fafnir. I don’t put much meaning into my past name.】

"In this setting, I’ll address you as Hunter Park Haneul."

Yang Seongsu bowed.

"My entire team survived thanks to you."

【…What? What are you talking about?】

"You were the one who stalled the monsters' advance, weren’t you?"

Yang Seongsu had fought on the front lines during the First Monster Wave.

For reasons unknown at the time, the monsters’ advance suddenly slowed down—just enough for the forces to regroup and successfully hold the line, preventing the nation from collapsing.

"It’s long overdue, but… thank you."

It was a genuine expression of gratitude.

Fafnir remained silent for a long time before finally projecting his thoughts.

【…You don’t have to thank me.】

A recognition he had waited decades to receive.

And in the end, it was worth the wait.

[Translator - Hestia

[Proofreader - Kaya]