What usually prompts a Hunter Association member to suddenly request a conversation with me?
If I had just returned to Earth, I would have expected them to advise me to take it easy, considering my mental state isn’t great, and not to participate in dungeon raids or hunts.
However, the Hunter Association knows that I’ve developed various connections after my return. They’ve been monitoring my activities, including broadcasts and dungeon explorations, so they must have concluded that I’m safe.
I believe the Hunter Association isn’t suddenly trying to impose sanctions or put me on a leash now.
Then what could it be?
Are they telling me to refrain from running a restaurant in the dungeon due to some regulations or something?
Ugh, I really don’t like that idea.
“Here we are.”
“Huh?”
The member led me to a quiet alley.
No, it was too quiet—it was eerie, the sound of footsteps echoing too clearly.
It felt like a place designed for ambush.
Perfect for disposing of a body without anyone noticing.
“Agent.”
“Yes.”
“I’m just asking, but you’re not planning on backstabbing me or suddenly ambushing me to drag me away somewhere, right?”
“W-What?! Wh-Why would you think that…?”
“Right? Good to hear.”
Wait, what?
The Hunter Association agent’s expression twisted in surprise at my comment.
But it was a sudden thought, albeit one that made a weird amount of sense, right?
Am I just overthinking things?
“I was wondering if you’d been hired by Cheon Danaa or the San Guild to stage some ambush in the middle of Green City.”
“…What did you say?”
Um, well…
I couldn’t see the agent’s full expression behind their sunglasses, but their incredulous look was clear.
“Ah, wait. I guess that makes sense since we’re not on Earth right now, and I’m intentionally separated from my family and friends, and we’re right here in the middle of a dungeon, after all? It’s a perfect environment to stage an accidental death!”
“…No, that’s not… Isia Hunter…”
“What, there could be people from the San Guild who have it out for me, or it could just be minions under the influence of a Fragment of the Demon King…”
“N-No! We absolutely didn’t bring you here for that reason! I’m just here to facilitate a negotiation request for you!”
Well, they weren’t lying, it seems?
“Then that’s a relief.”
“……”
After that, the agent sighed and dutifully guided me along.
As we walked further down the deserted alley, a small chair and table were set up, clearly signalling a meeting spot.
“Huh… My role ends here. Soon, those who wish to meet Isia Hunter will arrive.”
“Oh, so after this, you don’t know anything? So it’s an ambush after all! They plan to make a mess of me and kidnap me…”
“N-No, absolutely not! Of course, those who want to meet Isia Hunter might be a bit aggressive, but the Hunter Association has stealth drones monitoring the situation!”
At that point, the agent began to sweat nervously.
It wasn’t that they were caught off guard; they just seemed very flustered by my comments.
I could see they weren’t lying, so at the very least, it wasn’t some act.
“And the Hunter Association has preliminarily concluded that Isia Hunter is at least S-grade. However, provoking Isia Hunter could lead to… well, chaos.”
“Ah, right. That makes sense.”
The association already judged my strength as S-grade? Was that thanks to Yeonhwa’s influence?
Considering I didn’t just cook up a couple of monsters while on the broadcasts, and I ended up taking down mutation boss monsters like the Slime Mother in Blood Swamp too…
“Well then, I’ll take my leave. Hope everything goes well…”
“Yeah, yeah~”
Seeing the agent’s earnest gaze, it seemed they hoped the meeting between me and the person would end peacefully without any mishaps.
After all, they were just a middleman, so the fewer disturbances, the better.
As soon as the agent left, I looked to the left.
“Now, show yourself.”
“Oh, you noticed?”
At that moment, a translucent figure shimmered and sat on the chair opposite me.
Looks like a shy type.
They were cloaked in stealth, and now it seemed their inside was stealthy too?
It’s been a while since I couldn’t clearly see something with my eyes.
It’s not that I couldn’t see through it, but I’m not the type of Seongnyeo to expose them just because I want to.
“Isia Hunter, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I am the envoy of [Promise’s Finger].”
[Promise’s Finger]?
What kind of grand organization is that?
Noticing my expression, the envoy continued.
“It seems like you haven’t heard of us before? We’re a rather well-known group in this field… Have you not heard anything from Yeonhwa Hunter?”
“Not at all.”
What’s this nerd thing about?
And the way they casually mention my closeness to Yeonhwa hints they’ve done their homework on me.
“Yeonhwa cuts off anything she thinks will bother me herself.”
“Sounds like a good friend.”
“And it’s not like I’m running for a national election, so why would I need to know about political forces?”
“That’s true.”
“But can we wrap this up quickly? I need to clean up after cooking in my restaurant, and if Teresa does it alone, she gets really annoyed.”
“Hahaha, Isia Hunter getting annoyed? You have quite the entertaining friend.”
“They are entertaining, as much as you are hiding your face.”
Honestly, I can hardly trust someone who hides their face.
“Um, I sincerely apologize for needing to conceal my name and identity due to unavoidable reasons. But I must say…”
The envoy took out something that looked like a large green juice, presenting it to me.
“I heard you like food, so I brought you juice made from green oranges that come from the Russian C-grade dungeon, Ice Valley.”
“It’s green, though?”
“Despite the color, it’s still orange juice. You can share it with your family later. Believe it or not, it’s one of the most popular beverages gifted to hunters.”
“You’re a good person!”
“Thank you!”
People should have basic kindness.
Building a semblance of trust simply by giving food, even to a stranger, is something worthwhile, right?
“Cough, so anyway, [Promise’s Finger] is a political faction advocating for the rights of Hunters within both the International Hunter Association and Korea… To put it simply, it’s a particular political faction of hunter rights. Some may have extreme ideologies.”
“So you’re not particularly loyal if you’re claiming your own party has extreme ideologies?”
“Haha, you can just see me as a simple subcontractor. I don’t really have any feelings of belonging.”
“And what does [Promise’s Finger] do exactly?”
“In one line, it’s a political group advocating for human and hunter prioritization.”
“Hunter prioritization?”
At my words, the envoy cleared their throat and continued.
“You’re aware that it’s the duty of Hunters to protect humanity, right?”
“Yeah.”
“The efforts of 1st-generation Hunters have helped save the world and build a positive image for Hunters, which led to the favorable view of Hunters in recent times. However, when Hunters and Awakened Ones first appeared, the relationship with non-awakened civilians and political authorities was terrible. Rather than uniting against monsters attacking humanity, they were almost at the brink of war amongst themselves.”
“I think I’ve heard about that.”
I mean, when the Great Rift opened in a world that was functioning normally, how could the distinction that arose between Awakened and non-Awakened individuals just heal on its own?
I remember browsing through some history and wiki pages about Hunters, and the conflict between Awakened and non-Awakened individuals ran much deeper and darker than I’d imagined.
They say there’s relative peace now, but…
“But as peace continues to settle, are you aware that Hunter positions are narrowing?”
“Is that so?”
“Awakened Ones and Hunters can access wealth and fame because of the existence of dungeons and monsters. However, if we take an extreme example, if dungeons and gates were to cease, Hunters would find themselves in dire straits.”
“Ah, I understand.”
In our previous world, when we won the war against the Demon King, there were some nobles and other entrenched powers that deemed the hero and the saint unnecessary and started plotting against us.
Even though they didn’t provide proper support during the war, my complaint to Menelapie seemed to have led to her and Teresa nicely putting them in their places within a week.
After all, when times are turbulent with wars and conflicts, the ones with power thrive, but with peace, the warriors’ positions naturally begin to fade.
Looks like that applies to Hunters too.
“First-generation Hunters like Yeonseo built a good image for Hunters by proclaiming that they’re humanity’s guardians responsible for protecting the powerless.”
“However, by the 2050s, this slogan became excessively heated in politics, to the point where it became the norm to say Hunters should serve civilians, and those in power naturally bear responsibilities. Laws were even passed declaring unregistered Awakened individuals as criminals, leading to significant cases of Hunters facing reverse discrimination.”
“So this [Promise’s Finger] group aims to reclaim the rights lost by Hunters, huh?”
“Yes, exactly. They have political influence and are also present in various guilds and organizations. You could see it as a sort of Hunter union. However, these days, it’s gotten quite extreme. Not only has it become a group benefiting Hunters, but there are also many who demand complete exclusion of human subtypes like Elves or Beastfolks from human society, leading to a bloodline supremacy ideology. Furthermore, there are those proclaiming that Awakened Ones must educate the primitive humans. While it’s delicate, it’s not quite right to call it a peaceful age.”
So, it’s not just about seeking Hunter rights; they’re excluding human subtypes like Elves too?
Ah, now I understand why they are approaching me.
I may have forgotten for a while, but in Korea, I’m a representative and guarantor for around 20,000 Elves from Olga’s Great Forest.
While it’s not officially acknowledged by the government, if this group called [Promise’s Finger], or whatever, has heard the rumors about me, they’d be pretty curious—good or bad.
Also, not just Elves, the beings I hang around with like Yane and the Mermaid Princess, Elder Mandragora, and Slime Empress are all non-human too.
“Ugh, this feels like a story right out of a novel. I really don’t want to get involved.”
“Haha, as ideological groups grow, they tend to rot from within over time, and new factions emerge. While many possess extreme ideologies, there are likely sensible folks among them.”
“So that fearsome Promise’s Finger is not here for something good, huh?”
The envoy shrugged at my words, bursting into a laugh.
“As you may have guessed, [Promise’s Finger] has been paying quite a lot of attention to Isia Hunter.”
“Why?”
“Mainly because you’re incredibly strong. It’s hard not to take notice of someone who exudes an S-grade aura.”
Hmm, have I really flaunted my strength to that extent…?
“Anyone who cooks S-grade monsters is bound to be strong, right?”
Oh, maybe that’s true?
“Anyway, as the Hunter Train departs, many members of [Promise’s Finger] are aboard. You could say [Promise’s Finger] is traveling with the Hunter Train.”
“But?”
“This time, why do you think the Hunter Train docked at Green City?”
“I’ve not really thought about it. I’m just here to show my mom around. We’ve had quite a thrilling time in Blood Swamp, so I think spending time here is a good way to relax. I’m already used to the green mist and sun, and many guests, even the monsters, say my cooking is delicious.”
“I see.”
The envoy gazed up at the sky.
Just then, the green sun, resurrecting the lives that perished in Green City, bizarrely shimmered, breathing life into the now-dead city.
“The Hunter Train, fundamentally, operates upon the requests of the state to invade dungeons.”
“That makes sense.”
“And this Green City was approached at the behest of a nation. Green City is a dungeon that began its invasion based on the request from the UK… specifically, the British royal family.”
“UK…? The British royal family? Is that not the Mint Queen Lilybet?”
Now that I think about it, where did that queen go?
She mentioned wanting to dine with me, but now she seems to have disappeared completely.
“But considering it’s for a dungeon raid, they haven’t issued hunting orders to the Hunters, and they’re just wandering around like they’re on vacation. They haven’t given any hunting orders or targets to eliminate…”
“Unlike ordinary dungeons, the raiding of this one uses force.”
The envoy shrugged again.
“Green City is a headache even for the Hunter Association. Currently, the monsters within are gang-warring among themselves, but once that’s sorted out, if they start spilling out into Earth, it’ll be a disaster.”
“So this collaboration with Grakshar, the Orc, and the Hunter Association is aimed at supporting peace in Green City, right?”
“The Hunter Association’s goal is the complete annihilation of Green City.”
“Oh.”
I fell silent at that.
It makes sense—the Hunter Association wouldn’t want a city brimming with monsters left unchecked.
Even if communication is possible, fundamentally, it’s a lawless monster city, and dying means simply rising again the next day.
If Green City turns against humanity, it could truly become a catastrophe.
“And to achieve the complete destruction of Green City, the Hunter Association has allied with [Promise’s Finger].”
Well, that’s not impossible.
The Hunter Association is working to eliminate dungeons threatening humanity, while [Promise’s Finger] is looking to erase entities that threaten human purity…
“Wait a second.”
“Yes?”
“Never mind. Keep going.”
If [Promise’s Finger] is indeed the extreme interest group I’m hearing about, then if I were part of it, I’d rather be inciting a crisis.
Completely releasing Green City into the Earth through dimensional erosion, creating situations where civilians would die, causing a widespread risk of Gate disasters, which would only increase the job opportunities and monetary inflow for Hunters, along with their political standing.
Of course, all of this is just my conjecture without evidence.
I shouldn’t hastily judge what they are up to just because I don’t know what [Promise’s Finger] really is…
“Anyway, the Hunter Association will first assist Grakshar in occupying the forces in Green City. If the Orc becomes the ruler of Green City and arranges smooth negotiations with the Association, then that’ll be the end of it.”
“And if negotiations fail or unexpected events happen?”
“Then [Promise’s Finger] will wipe this place out entirely.”
“But it wouldn’t be easy just through brute force, right? It wouldn’t matter if you brought dozens of nuclear bombs; with the dungeon mechanics, wouldn’t it all be futile?”
“That’s why we need Isia’s help.”
As the envoy said that, they pulled out something in front of me.
“………..”
It looked like a black gemstone.
Or rather, it felt like something containing a much deeper darkness than just a gemstone…
“You….”
But that pulsating thing was something I was all too familiar with—something I despised.
Kuwoooong!!!
“What the hell are you doing bringing this out in front of me?”
“Ugh…”
As my divine power unintentionally manifested and began to press down on the air, the envoy visibly struggled and trembled.
I may be overreacting, but I have every good reason to be upset right now.
“How dare you take out a Fragment of the Demon King in front of me?”
What the envoy brought out was, indeed, a Fragment of the Demon King.
—–
“Lilbet and Hana have arrived at the location!”
“…..”
Lilybet and Hana arrived beneath Green City in a vast underground cavern.
Its size and grandeur were more mysterious and bizarre than many other dungeons.
The underground cavern stretched deep, enough that the ceiling was invisible, and the sprawling green pipes, which connected to unknown places, spread out in all directions, reminiscent of the green mist and sun that engulfed Green City.
The pipes intertwined like a massive forest yet retained a strange order, almost as if it were another city hidden within Green City.
However, unlike the Green City above, there wasn’t a single monster in this underground space. Instead, countless pipes and tubing stretched endlessly.
Pipes, conduits, and various devices seemed to exhale a living green steam, which then crept into the surroundings like fog.
Hana, infused with human emotions and sentiments, gazed wide-eyed at the intricate patterns of pipes unfolding before her.
“I had no idea such a place existed beneath the city.”
“Isn’t it fascinating? Because no hunting orders were issued for Green City, no Hunters have ventured this deep. Most Hunters wouldn’t prioritize enjoying the scenery; they’re after profits or materials, but I think it’s worth coming here just to see the view!”
“But how did you, Lilybet, know to come here? Did you know something would be here…?”
“I know quite well.”
As she spoke, Lilybet hopped onto a slightly elevated pipe.
For someone of royal status to casually sit atop a subterranean pipe was odd, yet bizarrely, the pipe contoured to mimic a throne beneath her.
Thwok!
“Ugh, kyaah!?”
The moment Lilybet flicked her finger, the many pipes slithering along the wall began to wriggle in unison, revealing something concealed within.
“That surprised me. But what is that…?”
“Hehe, what I just referred to as the Heart of the City.”
Something green pulsated behind the pipes.
The pulsing object was obscured in green light. Still, all sorts of pipes and conduits sprouted like veins, sucking in that green essence.
“Is that a person?”
“Ah, you can see it?”
While the green light made detailed features indistinct, it was undeniably human.
Clothed or not, slender arms and waist were highlighted, along with the feminine face and long hair hidden under the green veil.
It could potentially be a monster, but somehow, Kim Hana felt a resemblance to humanity.
Well, even if we accept that it’s human, why is it embedded beneath Green City?
“What do you think that is?”
“…It seems human…?”
“It is me.”
“What?”
Hana looked at Lilybet, who appeared lost in profound thoughts.
With a touch laced with sorrow and perhaps even a hint of resentment, Lilybet caressed the heart of Green City, enveloped in greenery.
“Elizaveta Lilybet Rose.”
“The heart of a city with no chance of salvation, and still foolishly chasing after romance. A queen of the sewage far removed from paradise.”
Clink!
The gears within Lilybet turned roughly.
“That is me.”
