▶ Chapter 43. A Feeling (1)
“For HunterAnham’s own sake, I recommend maintaining good relationships with the other guilds whenever possible. In my experience, public opinion is important.”
It was advice from someone who had once been called an ungrateful beast by countless people who had fallen for lies.
I had no choice but to nod.
“What if we give each guild all the monster materials and mana stones obtained from their gate, plus an additional one billion won? That should prevent complaints. The three of us will cover the cash.”
Now that I was rich, even though I could not freely spend huge amounts of money, I thought that sounded fine.
But,
“Then the three of you don’t gain anything. No, it’s worse than that. You’ll lose seven billion won.”
“That amount is not especially large for us. And it is not true that we gain nothing.”
“What?”
“We gain many things. Junggeun’s rapid leveling. Inventory space.”
Han Yonghwan showed a small but clear smile.
Then he added,
“Most importantly, clearing gates together with HunterAnham is very enjoyable.”
I felt happy, but strangely embarrassed.
It felt like receiving a gentle compliment from family.
I was glad the Hidden Power item prevented them from seeing my reddened face.
“Then.... let’s do that.”
“Yes. Also, we will clear all ten Rank 7 gates over two days, five per day.”
“It won’t be difficult, but won’t the schedule be a little tight? Even with portals, we’ll be traveling around the entire country.”
“It should be fine. If everything is prepared beforehand, we will not waste time or energy while traveling. More importantly, there are two reasons we need to finish quickly.”
As always, Han Yonghwan explained carefully.
“First, that will allow us to keep people away. I plan to request secrecy and restricted access, and everyone will most likely cooperate. Still, unexpected things can happen. I do not want HunterAnham to be troubled unnecessarily.”
“Second, the seventh is the day after tomorrow. That is the day Dongju opens boxes. He needs the entire previous day to prepare the ritual food, so we need to finish all the gates by the fifth.”
Everything he said made sense.
So we decided to do exactly that.
Fortunately, nothing happened inside the gates, and nobody approached us outside.
Everything ended smoothly.
“You worked really, really, really hard!”
After we finished a huge dinner that included a giant steak,
Han Dongju smiled brightly and bowed deeply to me.
“Thank you very much.”
Han Yonghwan and Han Junggeun also bowed politely.
We smiled as we separated.
After returning home alone,
“Quack.”
Twelve went to watch a melodrama on the huge television in the living room.
I washed up, went into my bedroom, and dropped flat onto the bed.
I was not especially tired.
But,
It feels strangely quiet....
I also felt a little empty.
Maybe it was because I had spent the last two days constantly with the three brothers.
....It was fun.
I had also felt comfortable with them, as though we had known each other for a long time.
I want to continue getting along with them....
With a smile on my face, I slowly fell asleep.
Then I dreamed.
Inside a world filled with frightening, painful darkness,
“....Save them! Please, I’m begging you!”
I desperately shouted.
And I heard an answer.
“I’m sorry. I still cannot interfere more directly. However, if I adapt my role as a tool that assists the user, then by paying a great price, it may be possible.”
Naturally, I screamed,
“Take anything! Anything! Even my life...!”
“No. That is impossible. No matter what.”
“But!”
“....Your strongest possession is the Hero’s power, but you will need that later. More importantly, it is connected to your soul, so I cannot touch it. Therefore.... I will take something important from this life, your memories until now.”
“That is not enough.”
“I will also place several restrictions, including preventing you from recognizing one another.”
“I too will pay a price. I will give up....”
“They can’t be separated alone! They’re only five years old! Listen, if there’s anything you can do, just save the younger ones and let me die as I am. ....Can’t be left alone...!”
A desperate scream filled with so much pain that it seemed to tear through my heart slammed into my ears.
Because of that,
I opened my eyes.
It was still before dawn, so the bedroom was dark.
Through my blurry vision, faint silver powder seemed to drift around my face.
Almost as if it were gently comforting the single tear I had unknowingly shed while sleeping.
I rubbed my eyes and looked again.
As if it had never existed, the silver powder was completely gone.
Did I see it wrong?
Just like what happened after I saw Lu in my dream before,
Did I meet Lu in my dream again?
I thought about it.
But I could not tell.
It felt like a different kind of dream.
Because my chest hurt as though several blades had been driven deep into my heart.
Because of that pain,
it took me a long time to fall asleep again.
+ Chapter 14. A Feeling
“Why do you look like that? Did something happen?”
