– In the provincial city of Xi’an, Shanxi Province, People’s Republic of China –
As a prosperous land traversed by the Yellow River, it was commonly referred to as Guanzhong or Guanshu, and it had also been the terminal point of the Silk Road connecting the West and East. For over 1,300 years, it had served as the capital of various dynasties, including the Yin, Zhou, Qin, Han, Sui, and Tang.
And now, it was home to the San Guild, renowned as the largest guild in the world, located centrally in China.
Although it technically belonged to the territory of the Tang and China, it wielded immense influence and was recognized as a separate nation with extraterritorial rights.
Of course, it started with support from both the Tang and the Chinese government, but at this point, it was the largest Hunter guild globally, boasting the highest number of Awakened Ones, making it a formidable military force. Thus, in modern times, the leader of the San Guild was often referred to as the Emperor of Shanxi Province.
“I’m terribly sorry, but the northwest gate has failed.”
In a room adorned with expensive-looking pottery painted in red, a group of people was engaged in conversation.
A moment of silence fell over the conference room at the researcher’s words.
The silence was broken five minutes later when someone finally spoke.
“All of them? So, the participants are now unusable?”
“Yes, it appears that the abilities of the participants have dropped overall, and they cannot withstand the corruption that starts from the entrance of the gate.”
“Huh, again this time…”
At the researcher’s statement, Jin Seocheon, a high-ranking member of the San Guild and leader of the elite Hunter squad, the Dragon Knights, sighed as if he had expected this.
The other guild officers showed visible signs of not having had any expectations either.
“We already swapped in the participants we picked a while back, and there are still no results?”
“This isn’t why we’re pouring so much money into these researchers.”
“Ha, I remember we had over 120 this time…”
“Is no one left? Really?”
“…There are 13 survivors. However, they aren’t in good shape…”
“I can let most things slide, but dragging idiots of low ranks from other countries while embarrassment is hanging over us is truly unbearable. Yet this would be the seventh time now that you say there’s no outcome? What kind of results are we even waiting for?”
“…”
The researcher remained silent at the words of the muscular Baek Wisin Hunter.
Despite his brutish appearance, Baek Wisin honored the researchers more than the other senior members, but his boiling point was lower than the others, making it challenging to deal with him once he went off.
Sure enough, with Baek Wisin showing signs of impending outburst, the researcher, trying to calm him, put on his most amiable expression.
“I apologize, Baek Wisin Hunter. However, we should see some progress soon. Please be patient for a bit longer…”
“Progress, you say? That ‘please wait’ is getting really tiresome. Just how much longer do I have to wait? Should I wait until my beard turns white before it’s completed?!”
“I’m sorry…”
From the researcher’s stance, it was entirely unfair and infuriating.
They hadn’t even finished their research on the gates and monsters. Forcing them to find something beyond the unknown in an unknown world without any foundation was a level of catastrophic pain.
They wouldn’t understand how nauseating it was to grasp at something from nothing.
“Baek Wisin Hunter, science and research take hundreds of failures to achieve a single success. Please don’t rush it.”
“Huh, Jin Seocheon, aren’t you angry at all?”
“Of course, I’m angry. But it’s not that researcher’s fault, is it? It’s just that those low ranks were much less useful than we thought…”
While that chaos unfolded, a black-haired woman wearing an eye patch sat silently amid them, drinking tea that emitted a green hue, her eyes closed.
Gulp.
The tea was delightful today.
“I can’t tolerate this any longer! We should send the Baekun Brigade ourselves. If we go in directly, won’t we be able to dig up shards and everything?! Maybe an Awakened One will appear….!”
“Hell no, that won’t work. Who knows who might die?”
When the white-haired woman with her hair in braids firmly stepped up, Baek Wisin glared at her.
Though they had been guildmates and senior members for a long time, Baek Wisin and Wang So-young were polar opposites in fighting style, temperament, and character, making it impossible to be friends.
“Hey Wang So-young, are you scared or something? I guess those who can only hide in shadows must be afraid they’re not suitable?”
“Not at all. I’m actually more worried that you and your brainless fools might die. We wouldn’t have any issues without you, but if the absence of meat shields damages the kids stationed at the rear, that’s serious!”
“What did you just say…!”
“Calm down. Even so, we can’t send our members into such danger, can we? The candidate tests within the guild are nearly complete, and while using high-rank Hunters could be effective, we can’t afford to lose them when we don’t even know the extent of the shard’s corruption…”
“Nonsense! Are you implying our guild members are on par with those low ranks? Our Baekun Brigade is the proud shield of San’s fortress…!”
“Yes, yes, shield and meat shield. I understand.”
“Fine, it seems you want to settle this today, huh?”
“Pfft, it looks like I’ve pampered you too much, you brain-dead pig!”
“Enough.”
At last, the words of the eye patch-wearing woman, who had finished her tea, brought the uproarious room to silence.
Feeling the quiet enveloping the room and the attention focused on her, the woman smiled faintly while looking around at the senior members.
“-磨斧作針- (Sharpening an axe to make a needle; no matter how harsh or difficult, one can achieve it with persistence),” she mused. “The current situation we find ourselves in is anything but simple. The demands from the high-standing Tang in Beijing are intensifying, so now is not the time for us to squabble.”
Her name was Cheon Danaa.
The leader of the San Guild, she was known as the Empress of Shanxi Province, having succeeded her father.
Cheon Danaa gazed at Baek Wisin with fox-like eyes.
“Baek Wisin, I understand why you are impatient. However, everything has its time, and a castle built of sand collapses quickly, so your role is to support and bolster it.”
“…I apologize.”
“Wang So-young, we are family, brothers and sisters; who wants to see family tearing each other apart? One must know when to stop to avoid being defeated.”
“I will take that to heart, Guild Master.”
“Very well. As the head of the research department mentioned, it seems unfortunate that the recent participants were largely useless. But that’s okay. Knowing how to wait will make the outcome even sweeter. Now, all senior members, please go and sow new seeds.”
“””Understood.”””
“And Baek Wisin and Wang So-young, you’re going to Korea.”
“Korea? I thought we were coordinating with the German guild this quarter…”
“It’s an order from the department. They say a promotion ceremony is starting in Korea.”
“Promotion ceremony?!”
“If it’s an order from the department… there’s nothing we can do.”
Although it wasn’t without complaints, it was actually a good thing.
It was like being able to take a trip nearby. Most importantly, for the San Guild, in desperate need of external talented individuals, an S-rank promotion ceremony was akin to opening a massive fishing ground.
They didn’t know what would be caught, but it was possible to fish out precious stones worth more than gold. Even if they couldn’t, they could still use them as “participants.”
“Baek Wisin and Wang So-young will visit as friendly Hunters representing the department and San Guild. There will be many other Hunters, so don’t commit any faux pas at the official event.”
“…..Understood.”
“Your words, Guild Master. I shall remember them.”
“Oh, and the promotion ceremony in Korea is a matter for our San Guild to focus on as well. Although it’s been a long time since an S-rank has emerged, just the fact that the Knight of Radiance, Yeonseo, has appeared makes it worthwhile to be attentive. Moreover, this time, there’s also new news.”
“New news?”
“Yes, while browsing the internet, I stumbled upon an intriguing Returnee.”
Returnees were characters that both Baek Wisin and Wang So-young were well acquainted with.
Their strengths varied wildly, along with their circumstances and worlds, but they all possessed special strengths or abilities, making them one of the individuals the San Guild prioritized to recruit.
“I’ll have the kids send over the information later, so prepare for departure immediately.”
“Yes.”
“Indeed.”
“Well then… we have no other matters to discuss for today, so let everyone proceed with their tasks. However, while working hard is good, make sure to take some breaks. As the saying goes, * 수청무어 (People are lost when too much strife drives away the fish from the pure waters); a leader should allow gaps for those around to breathe.”
“”””Understood, Guild Master.””””
With those words, the senior officials in the conference room of the San Guild all promptly exited.
“And you, head of the research department?”
“Yes! Please, go on, Guild Master!”
“It’s unfortunate to hear that all the participants have been used up. I will have new applicants chosen, so you focus solely on your research.”
“Yes, but what about the 12 survivors…”
“Head?”
“Yes?”
“I heard you say there were no survivors, but now you sound strange?”
“…………”
At Cheon Danaa’s words, the head of the research department fell silent.
“Yes, yes! Thank you! I needed participants since there were no survivors, and I appreciate the Guild Master’s vast generosity!”
“Right, right. Just don’t let yourself be stressed while you conduct research. If you get so stressed that the little you have left in your head disappears, that would be a serious problem, wouldn’t it?”
As Mayuri smiled sincerely as if truly concerned, the head of the research department broke out in a cold sweat.
That crazy woman….
●●●●
(Hit Gallery)[(Breaking News) 2088, First Quarter New S-Rank Hunter Promotion Announcement!](57241)
n Recommended: 11929
“This announcement is an official document from the government of Korea, informing about the implementation plan for the new S-rank promotion and evaluation exams in the first quarter of 2088, urging all departments and private enterprises connected to the government to recommend outstanding Hunters and Awakened Ones according to the appraisal criteria.
1. The Human Resources Innovation Department and the Hunter Association will appoint excellent talents matching the recommendation requirements.
2. In the case of Returnees, the Returnee Management Bureau will conduct individual assessments instead of the Human Resources Innovation Department.
3. To discover the next generation of S-rank Hunters to lead Korea, assessments will comprehensively consider character, skill, teamwork, command, and individual activity.
4. Should any part of the examination process leak, the leaker will be subject to penalties under respective laws. All details related to the promotion test will be announced on the day of the announcement.
5. Every Hunter participating in the examinations will have their personal footage recorded by the drones provided by the association, and the fair process of the exam will be publicly released across various media via internet sites and broadcasts.
6. The content of each item is subject to change.”
[It’s happening!!!]
[Oh hell yeah!!!]
[S-rank is happening!!!]
[Gallery Master! Gallery Master!]
n [Is it Isia?]
n [So finally becoming S-rank! www]
n [ㅇㅇ]
[Oh]
[n0g]
[So when will it happen?]
n [Originally, they don’t publicly announce schedules to civilians.]
n [Why?]
n [What do you expect? Once the schedule is out, all the Awakened Ones would turn their eyes to it, trying to learn the exam details and possibly teaming up to cheat. And believe me, there’ll be quite a few who’ll try to blackmail or bribe their way into information.]
n [It’s probably more confidential than the college entrance exams?]
n [But honestly, if your skills are really at S-rank level, whether or not the process is revealed, you’ll still hit S-rank.]
[nod]
[Oh, is the Gallery Master finally becoming S-rank?]
n [Wait, I thought the Gallery Master was already S-rank? They were bragging so much, I assumed they were!]
n [No, that ain’t true!]
n [So what were they then?]
n [Look it up in the association’s search. The Gallery Master is still on a temporary Hunter license level.]
[n?]
[Really?]
[It’s probably because they’re a Returnee. They returned not even half a year ago.]
n [Why did I think they were S-rank all this time? LOL]
[But why the heck are they always acting like an S-rank?]
[nn]
[Haha seriously?!]
[Could it be that they want the title?]
n [Ah, do you want the title by any chance? Can you come over to the Gallery’s guest book? Please?]
[LOL they are trying to suck up now!]
[Look how they’re trying to be all polite!]
[Oh my god!]
[Here comes the new aspiring leader!]
The moment the announcement for the S-rank promotion was released, the genre-specific Hunter Gallery was thrown into chaos.
It wasn’t like the chaos was unusual, but this time, it escalated as all sorts of trolls and toxic individuals, alongside fans and haters of each Hunter and streamer, went wild.
[“Oh, Cheon Ah-young is applying for S-rank too!”]
[“This time, the competition for S-rank will be fierce! It’s been a while since any have emerged, so people who’ve tried multiple times will show up.”]
[“I wonder if Yeonhwa will apply as well?”]
n [Who the heck is Yeonhwa? Don’t you dare call some irrelevant girl “noona.” ]
n [Huh, that’s our Yeonhwa!]
n [Is that a meme?]
n [Sorry.]
n [They’re probably going to be sued by the administrative officer of the Yeon family soon.]
n [For real!]
n [Yeonseo hates this kind of stuff.]
n [Archive this!]
n [I’m so sorry! That was a momentary lapse in judgment. It didn’t mean anything!]
n [Get it together, Jang-Bung! Where’s your pride as a nasty keyboard warrior!?]
[The truth is, the S-rank criteria are really stringent. The current Hunters have leveled up, and many would have probably made it through easily back during the first Great Rift.]
[Nah, there are probably those who are stronger among those A-rank Hunters that have been S-rank long ago, right?]
n [Really?]
[“My brother is applying for S-rank too!”]
n [Who’s your brother? Don’t bring in some irrelevant streamer and start calling him “bro.” LOL]
n [He’s my real brother, you jerk.]
n [My bad…]
n [LOL]
n [Watch out, or you’ll be roasted in no time!]
[“The reason for the Gallery Master Isia getting S-rank is obvious.”](3314)
n Recommended: 1119
“I’m first confirming that I’m from the Mangzi faction.
I didn’t catch the first stream where she ate gejang (crab marinated in soy sauce), but I’ve been there since the unofficial first stream where the Gallery Master made wyvern stew from the Kurtala Mountains.
My nickname is ‘KawaiiHorned.’
As of now, I’ve probably donated the most amounts to the Gallery Master.
Due to family circumstances and my work, I can watch the Gallery Master’s stream quite often, so let me ramble off some major feats she pulled.
1. In her unofficial first stream, she turned the Kurtala Mountains into a breeding ground for B~A rank monster wyverns.
2. Defeated an S-rank Centipede Dragon in 10 seconds. Then fried it up.
3. Chased after some orcs who stole some pork belly – them orcs are nothing to be concerned about, but it hints the Gallery Master has outstanding senses and tracking skills.
4. Successfully raided the dungeon – it’s silent on how the Association didn’t disclose the footage.
5. Did something in the Elf Great Forest that I can’t remember, but she received a commendation from the Association.
6. Taught her stalker a lesson + made fried chicken out of some insane red chicken.
There are tons more monster types that the Gallery Master has dealt with.
I haven’t seen all her streams, but this is still her achievement less than half a year since she started hunting.
But check out the Gallery Master.
She’s incredibly pretty, has a great figure.
Tall and strong too.
Her tentacle-wielding skill as a rare healing, buffing, and debuffing Seongnyeo is impressive, and her offense is off the charts, and there’s still more to discover.
Not to mention that her aura as a Seongnyeo shown during the stalker stream still lingers in my memory.
One could see how overwhelming her capacity as a true Seongnyeo really is.
For only being in the Hunter community for such a short time, this current Isia is the first among faces to establish herself as the Gallery Master, and excluding Yeonseo, this is the first high-caliber Hunter in the history of the Gallery.”
Of course, it’s true that the Gallery Master is quite a handful. There are frequent trolls calling her an airhead, and some die-hard fans joke about her being a ditzy saint.
Even though sometimes she looks just like a mindless hog who mindlessly eats.
But, there’s no way this Gallery Master won’t become S-rank.
The moment the S-rank promotion advertisement released, the Hunter community was filled with turmoil.
The Gallery Master Isia had rapidly taken a place in the Galley Master’s seat, and it was a remarkable feat, especially for someone who came back not even half a year ago.
With the announcement, the tension in the gallery flared up.
It was chaos!
