In 2088, Korea appeared to enjoy peace and prosperity on the surface.
Since the dawn of the modern Hunter era, the phrase “Hunters are the power of the nation” emerged. Following the Great Rift, Korea, holding the largest number of Awakened Ones and high-grade Hunters relative to its population, undoubtedly ascended to the ranks of the world’s great powers.
However, as strength grew and various Dungeons and Gates opened, the variety of Dungeon byproducts and new resources triggered a diversification of factions.
In the end, while the Hunter society in Korea outwardly professed peace, it had split into numerous large and small factions.
Among them, there was a powerful group that encompassed 12 government departments tied together as strategic resources called “Simhaeui Kkot,” which included the Korea Gate Cooperative Research Institute, the Industry-Academia Cooperation Agency, the Hunter Resource Control Management Bureau, and the Non-Human Response Agency.
Coincidentally, all of these government departments dealt with ocean or ocean-related Gate anomalies, earning them the nickname [Fishing Club].
Since 2030, this Fishing Club had exclusive authority over the Simhaeui Kkot discovered in the South Sea and controlled the usage and supply of “Simhaeui Kkot,” ensuring that it remained unknown to foreign nations, and even domestically.
Simhaeui Kkot is an enormous power source capable of generating more power than a nuclear power plant with just a single blossom, possessing tremendous economic and strategic value.
Today, dozens of National Assembly members were linked to the exclusive ownership of Simhaeui Kkot, and three of the so-called top ten guilds in Korea had established close cooperation with the Fishing Club.
In reality, one could say that the Fishing Club had founded and nurtured those three great guilds.
Having gained exclusive rights to Simhaeui Kkot, the Fishing Club’s voice in other government departments and the National Assembly became stronger, and based on the vast profits earned from illegally smuggling and selling Simhaeui Kkot domestically and internationally, they maintained a significant political power, rivaling even that of Yeonhwa’s Yeon Family.
Afterward, the Fishing Club consistently kept its exclusive rights to Simhaeui Kkot, starting to control information so tightly that other government departments, as well as the public and media, did not even get to know that Simhaeui Kkot could be obtained from the South Sea. This ultimately led to a control over information about Mermaids as well.
The reason information about Mermaids was scant during Yeonhwa’s academy days was also due to the influence of the Fishing Club.
And coincidentally, the Fishing Club discovered that the areas from which Simhaeui Kkot could be harvested overlapped with the habitat of Mermaids.
To smoothly obtain Simhaeui Kkot, they either needed to seek the cooperation of the Mermaids or eliminate the Mermaids to reduce resource extraction obstacles.
And the Fishing Club chose the latter.
They secretly sent various Hunters, including unregistered Awakened Ones, to the vast Dungeon named Deep Sea Palace, where the Mermaids resided, and as a result, the Fishing Club gained control not just of Simhaeui Kkot but also over the Mermaids.
Instead of seeing Mermaids as a species of humanity, they chose to treat them like stray cats or deer, drastically decreasing public interest in them. This plan had been underway for quite some time and had yielded significant results.
One of the reasons the Industry-Academia Cooperation Agency and its affiliated factions succeeded in their monopoly plan over Simhaeui Kkot is that Mermaids had an unusually low level of intelligence.
Mermaids had the intelligence of about a three-year-old human child, and they were curious but not very aggressive.
To add a bit of exaggeration, even an unarmed civilian could catch a Mermaid just by handing them a spear.
In simple terms, Mermaids were incredibly weak.
Being weak meant that it was possible to control them with just C-grade Hunter capability, and the Fishing Club could exploit not only the unique resource of Simhaeui Kkot but also various benefits from the species of Mermaids.
In the process, the Fishing Club forged an agreement with the largest guild in the world, the San Guild, and through Hunters and Awakened Ones affiliated with the top three guilds, they could harvest Simhaeui Kkot while completely subordinating the Mermaid race.
After that, the Fishing Club was able to completely monopolize Simhaeui Kkot, which turned out to be their greatest benefit.
In the process, some Mermaids were sold off as playthings for the rich, and there were many who sought Mermaids for research institutes, organizations, and even overseas. The San Guild, which significantly aided the Fishing Club, sought Mermaids instead of claiming rights to Simhaeui Kkot.
This was because the Mermaids found in the South Sea were quite unique monsters not discovered in other regions.
They were pretty in appearance and posed no threat.
Some of the key figures in the Fishing Club even kept the Mermaids as pets, while some nefarious individuals even set up Mermaid brothels.
Mermaids were seen as foolish and easily submissive; even with a little coercion, they would quickly comply, making them as good as golden-egg-laying geese for the Fishing Club.
However, starting in 2074, the Fishing Club lost its control over the Mermaids.
Mermaids began to avoid humans, and there were even rumors of S-grade Monsters being sighted.
Eventually, the Deep Sea Palace Gate ceased to allow human intrusion, and the anti-mana levels surrounding the Dungeon skyrocketed, making it impossible to capture Mermaids like before.
Now, all that could be done was to use subcontractors like the Seongun Guild to forcibly breach the Gate with a multiverse anchor provided by the San Guild and descend machinery to harvest Simhaeui Kkot.
And then, the Fishing Club received a bolt from the blue one ominous night.
“………”
On the fourth floor underground of the Industry-Academia Cooperation Agency, post-Great Rift, the high-rise building often became the targets of monsters, so most government building constructions built right after were usually deep underground.
Of course, by 2088, such risks had nearly vanished, but most government buildings remained deeply embedded underground.
Employees of the Industry-Academia Cooperation Agency stood in a line, straight as if welcoming a distinguished guest, while at the end of the line sat a woman with icy blue hair holding a chilly aura.
“This place serves tea rather slowly.”
“I’m sorry, Yeonhwa-nim.”
Yeonhwa, crossing her legs, bobbed her head, emanating a cold presence akin to her freezing abilities.
Having already waited for ten minutes since her arrival, it appeared she had become quite displeased that the person in charge had yet to show up, as a slight frown formed on her brow.
Shortly after, someone hurriedly arrived, taking the emergency transport elevator.
“Hah, haha… I apologize for being late, Yeonhwa-nim…!”
It was the director of the Industry-Academia Cooperation Agency, Kang Junman.
Of course, he was one of the powerful figures leading the Fishing Club.
Naturally, compared to Yeonhwa, he was but a speck of dust in terms of power.
“I thought I should meet you eventually, and though late, congratulations on becoming an S-grade Hunter.”
“Thank you for that, Director Kang Junman.”
“Oh, you remembered my name. I’m honored.”
“How could I forget the name of someone valuable contributing to this country, even if not a Hunter?”
“Hah, haha… Not at all…”
Both were aware that their exchanges were mere flattery.
However, from their first meeting, Kang Junman had no choice but to bow himself low before Yeonhwa.
Was it because she was an S-grade Hunter?
That was part of it, but the Fishing Club was inherently in conflict with all political powers associated with Yeonseo, and the Yeon Family that could be seen as allied with Yeonseo.
It wasn’t that the Yeon Family was the righteous faction and the Fishing Club was the villainous one.
The Yeon Family, established prominently by Yeonseo, had defined the image, obligations, roles, and responsibilities of Hunters that emerged after the Great Rift.
If any particular faction were to monopolize a strategic resource like Simhaeui Kkot, the one to show the most outrage would be the Yeon Family, as they were primarily in favor of state ownership of strategic resources and the bureaucratization of Hunters.
Consequently, they could not help but be completely opposed to the Fishing Club, which consisted of interest groups, and irrespective of the absence of justifications, the Yeon Family would not directly touch the Fishing Club.
However, no matter how veteran and deep-rooted the history of the Fishing Club might boast, should an opportunity arise, it was clear that they would face devastating damage from regard of Yeonseo and the Yeon Family.
For now, Yeonseo had retired from being a Hunter, but the political influence she possessed was enormous. The sudden arrival of her only beloved granddaughter Yeonhwa at the Industry-Academia Cooperation Agency prompted Kang Junman, drenched in cold sweat, to hustle up here in the middle of the night.
Doing his best to remain calm, Kang Junman took a seat across from Yeonhwa with a friendly demeanor.
The silent atmosphere was stifling.
The bright white walls symbolized the integrity of the public servant and provided a pristine cleanliness aura. And, as if serving a general, numerous employees of the Industry-Academia Cooperation Agency stood at attention with sweat trickling down their brows, yet remained completely still, only gazing at the back of Yeonhwa’s head.
Clink.
Clink.
Yeonhwa cringed slightly after taking a sip of the coffee handed to her by an employee, clearly displeased with its poor taste.
“………Then, what brings you here?”
“Well, I came for the tea, but the taste is quite terrible.”
“I’m sorry. If you had informed us of your arrival…”
“Menelapie, do you have anything with you?”
“I’m sorry; it’s in the car, but I can bring it if needed.”
“No, that’s fine.”
Kang Junman rolled his eyes, furtively glancing at Menelapie, the unfamiliar person standing next to Yeonhwa.
She was a tall woman in a black suit, and although an S-grade Awakened One wouldn’t need a bodyguard, she appeared closer to a secretary or errand girl rather than a bodyguard.
Eventually, Yeonhwa finished the grim and bitter low-quality coffee, slamming the cup onto the table forcefully.
It seemed like she was still frowning, clearly displeased.
“Kang Junman, do you know that?”
“What do you mean?”
“I discovered something interesting while I was visiting Busan.”
“………..”
Finding something interesting in Busan.
Although lightly tossed, Yeonhwa’s remark caused Kang Junman’s heart to pound as he panicked internally, unsure of what she had caught on to, with numerous troubling scenarios flooding his mind.
Could the cooperation with the San Guild be uncovered?
No, that could be brushed off as some international cooperation in disguise, so it wouldn’t be a disaster…
Then, was it the discovery of trafficking Simhaeui Kkot in Busan?
That would indeed be a major problem.
Simhaeui Kkot was still a scarce strategic resource, so if news leaked that they had monopolized it while keeping it a secret from other government departments, all agencies affiliated with the Fishing Club would be blown to bits.
Or could it be about the Mermaid brothel?
He had wrapped that up five years ago… But could it be that somewhere some Mermaids were living scrappily?
Kang Junman, rapidly running scenarios through his head, could not predict what Yeonhwa was getting at.
Swish!
“…!”
In that moment, Yeonhwa drew the sword she had at her waist.
As she did, all the employees standing rigidly in attention drew their weapons, their eyes widening.
Although they were employees of the Industry-Academia Cooperation Agency, they were all at least C-grade Hunters or unregistered Awakened Ones.
Even if they all charged at Yeonhwa, it would merely delay her; if something escalated, they would sacrifice their lives to stop her, and in the meantime, summoned personnel would begin the process of destroying vital documents.
As the employees mobilized into combat posture, Menelapie, who had been next to Yeonhwa, stepped forward.
“Yeonhwa-nim, this is the internal area of the Industry-Academia Cooperation Agency. The possession and drawing of weapons is absolutely prohibited…!”
The head of security yelled at Yeonhwa, possibly facing his own demise.
Even drawing her sword, Yeonhwa simply eyed him. Just before she could avert her gaze, Menelapie took a step toward the security chief.
“…Ugh….!”
Menelapie, an Awakened One herself, radiated an ominous energy.
Those Awakened standing on guard with the head of security felt breathless, and as a faint golden aura spread, their legs began to tremble.
“Menelapie, tone it down already.”
“….Yes, understood.”
Menelapie was ready to deal with everyone in the room on behalf of Yeonhwa if things went awry, but Yeonhwa motioned for her to back down, and she promptly relaxed her stance, returning to Yeonhwa’s side.
Yeonhwa, with a slight smile, slightly lowered her head toward Kang Junman.
“It seems I may have caused a bit of a misunderstanding. That wasn’t my intention.”
The implication was that if she were to engage in combat, she wouldn’t even have to draw her sword, which was left unsaid.
“…Ah, um, um… It’s not a problem. Our employees seem to have misunderstood as well. I apologize! You all, quickly put your weapons away and apologize!”
“…I’m sorry.”
The security chief felt his heart still trembling from the overwhelming aura Menelapie exuded and forced out an apology.
Yeonhwa graciously accepted as if to show her understanding, leaning back into the sofa.
“Just a minor misunderstanding, right? I can understand.”
“Then, Yeonhwa-nim… what was the reason for drawing your sword so suddenly?”
“Oh right, Director Kang. Do you know what my sword is made of?”
“………”
“I’ve heard it’s made from Simhaeui Kkot.”
As soon as the words ‘Simhaeui Kkot’ were uttered, Kang Junman’s shoulders visibly jerked.
“I’ve heard that just one blossom of Simhaeui Kkot can produce energy equivalent to a nuclear power plant?”
“Y-Yes… Simhaeui Kkot is indeed that much of a rare strategic resource that our Industry-Academia Cooperation Agency manages rigorously…”
“I wasn’t finished talking, though?”
“………….”
Seemingly offended by the interruption, a chill radiated around Yeonhwa.
Kang Junman felt profoundly annoyed and displeased that a much younger girl was being rude, yet Yeonhwa was a noble lady of unimaginable influence in the modern Hunter era.
With power and strength far surpassing his, Kang Junman could do nothing but bow 90 degrees to the young lady before him.
“I’m sorry… Yeonhwa-nim…”
“That’s fine. I appreciate those who quickly admit mistakes.”
As Kang Junman bowed his head, Yeonhwa withdrew the chilling aura and showed him her sword with a smile, as if all previous tension evaporated.
“Now back to the main topic… If the energy of Simhaeui Kkot is completely spent, the remaining shell becomes a very valuable material for Hunter equipment, right? Since the energy it contained is vast, it can be processed into equipment that can absorb almost unlimited mana from Hunters. I’ve relied heavily on this sword. Other equipment shatters in the cold, but this sword made from Simhaeui Kkot doesn’t break, no matter how much mana I pump into it.”
“Haha… I see…”
“Now, at this point, you must understand what I’m trying to say, right?”
“………………”
It was impossible for Kang Junman not to grasp what Yeonhwa wanted to convey, yet he gulped nervously and remained silent.
“I coincidentally found a storage for Simhaeui Kkot while visiting Busan?”
“…..”
“It turned out to be more than just one or two? Surprisingly, they were large storage facilities unregistered and without government certification… I wonder if the Busan audit team is slow?”
“…..!?”
“Oh, do you find that hard to believe? Shall we go on an outing together? I was actually thinking it would be nice to either get a new sword or upgrade this one.”
Kang Junman couldn’t comprehend how confidential information was spilling from Yeonhwa’s lips.
Given her statements, it seemed highly possible that she already knew about the collusion between the Industry-Academia Cooperation Agency and the Busan City department, and maybe even knew that the Fishing Club monopolized Simhaeui Kkot.
If that were true, and if Yeonhwa had come here with the intent of annihilating this place, there would be no hope left.
“Oh my, Director Kang Junman, you’re sweating a lot. Are you feeling hot?”
“….Ah, no, I’m not. Ahem.”
“By the way, what were you here for again?”
“…………..”
Kang Junman bit his lip, rigid with tension.
If a fight broke out, escaping would be secondary; the foremost priority was to destroy documents and obliterate evidence.
Kang Junman locked eyes with the head of security standing behind him.
If things turned really bad, he would immediately initiate the process of destroying documents and sealing the storage.
However, what came out of Yeonhwa’s mouth next was something Kang Junman could never have imagined.
“Count me in, too.”
“………….What?”
“I said I want to be included.”
“……….”
What do you mean by that…?
“I can see you appear to be troubled lately. Wouldn’t having an S-grade Hunter involved be quite a big help? To speak candidly, I find Simhaeui Kkot really attractive too.”
I want it too.
I want to have it.
Yeonhwa was telling Kang Junman just that.
“………I-I see, but…”
“Oh my, you don’t believe me? I’ve been saying it outright; you still haven’t opened your heart to me, Director.”
Of course, he couldn’t believe her.
How could he?
However, Kang Junman also found an oddly idealistic thought surfacing in his mind.
Yeonseo and the Yeon Family were naturally opposing political powers to the Fishing Club.
But, what if…
What if Yeonhwa was genuinely reaching out to collaborate with them, and if that were the truth…
It wouldn’t be a dream for the Fishing Club to evolve from a mere interest group to having the largest political power in Korea.
That was, the Yeon Family.
After the first Great Rift, they held the potential to become the rulers of Korea at will, and the Yeon Family still retained a substantial influence in the political and economic spheres. Additionally, Yeonhwa was the only noble lady and next in line of that very family.
With her being an S-grade Hunter, the proposal of collaboration from Yeonhwa was a colossal temptation politically and militarily as well.
“Well, if you do not wish to open your heart, then perhaps there’s nothing we can do. Let’s end today’s meeting. Come, Menelapie.”
“Yes, understood.”
“Wait, just a moment! Yeonhwa-nim, please!”
“What? Didn’t we just conclude?”
“That’s…”
And, after ten minutes passed, Yeonhwa and Kang Junman parted ways after seemingly developing a friendly handshake.
Their meeting could undoubtedly be described as a success.
Yeonhwa and Menelapie exited the Industry-Academia Cooperation Agency with light footsteps. Moments later, feeling that all eyes had vanished, the two boarded an unmanned vehicle sent by the Yeon Family.
The unmanned vehicle drove along a night road devoid of human presence for a time.
Due to the danger of monster appearances, civilian vehicles were prohibited from accessing the road, meaning no one could follow them.
After all gazes had completely disappeared, Menelapie crossed her legs and glanced at Yeonhwa.
“Heh, you did well.”
Grahhhhhh!
As Menelapie spoke with a hint of laughter, Yeonhwa couldn’t help but bury her head in the car seat, finally letting out her pent-up emotions.
“I thought I’d die from a heart attack, you know?!…”
Lifting her head, Yeonhwa’s expression had the charm of someone akin to a ‘fool’ wearing a name tag.
