As Shia tried to gather her scattered thoughts while browsing the hunter genre gallery, a small meeting was ongoing at the Hunter Association.
“Well, there were absolutely no malfunctions with the drones, right?”
“Yes.”
Minister Kim Siyun, who simultaneously held the positions of Chairman of the Hunter Association and Director of the Returnee Management Bureau, nodded in response to the report from Director Choi Bomi.
Since the moment a broadcast went live due to Shia’s accidental mistake, the Hunter Association had assigned personnel to monitor the live transmission of Hunter Isia in real time.
While it was undeniably awkward for the Association to have such unfiltered footage of a Returnee, especially one whose danger had not yet been properly assessed, it was also a blessing to be able to closely monitor information about Isia in real time.
After all, the Association’s aim was to gather information about Isia rather than deal with the noisy and chaotic chat window.
“So, you’re saying it wasn’t a deliberate decision to stream live?”
“It seems she accidentally activated the broadcast due to unfamiliarity with the drone’s controls. Given that it relies on a holographic touch interface, if the sensitivity is set too high, it can be activated by dust or even a breeze.”
“Hm, that makes sense. It’s been 64 years since she returned, so she might be a bit rusty with the technology.”
“Even with our operational manuals, few people actually read them thoroughly, so I can understand that.”
The AI drone camera that the Association lent to Hunter Isia was equipped with the latest technology that hadn’t even hit the market yet.
That meant it had many diverse functions and the intention to test the prototype by providing it for free to the Returnee Isia, but the Association’s real purpose was to evaluate the detailed capabilities of Isia as a Hunter.
From the Association’s perspective, they had already secured testimony that battles could be established with her through Yeonseo, but they still couldn’t measure Isia’s capabilities and skills based merely on hearsay.
In an ideal world, they might have wanted to confine Returnee Isia to a lab and conduct all kinds of tests and experiments.
However, since touching the Returnees carelessly could lead to explosive consequences, they had to exercise caution. Nowadays, voices for the protection of Returnees’ rights were growing louder, so openly monitoring their private lives was out of the question, and they needed to support Isia as a Hunter to obtain detailed combat data and information.
How much danger did she actually pose?
And just how serious was the “mental issue” that Director Choi mentioned?
They needed to assess whether she would be beneficial to the national interest or a threatening presence that needed to be dealt with somehow.
Thanks to the “broadcast video” covering the conquest of the Kurtala Mountains, the Hunter Association was able to make a preliminary evaluation of Isia.
“According to the analysts… the comprehensive combat rank of Returnee Isia is undoubtedly S-grade.”
“S-grade… it’s the first time a Returnee has achieved S-grade since Yujin returned, right?”
“Yes, a detailed examination is planned for when Returnee Isia registers as a Hunter, but it was fortunate that her mistake led to the broadcast.”
“She killed a total of 132 wyverns and showed no signs of fatigue. Furthermore, she resurrected and then killed wyverns recently deceased on several occasions, and she even has the ability to heal entire groups of wyverns at the Third Peak of the Kurtala Mountains, not just one at a time.”
“Moreover, the tentacle-like appendage on her waist seems to have similar strength and intensity to that of Returnee Isia herself.”
“I plan to investigate her special abilities further in the upcoming second ethics inspection, but it’s not unusual if she has more usable abilities.”
“Huh, my head is starting to hurt…”
As Director Choi noted, the Association’s headache was due to Isia’s overwhelming power.
“I think it’s safe to assign an S-grade combat rank to Returnee Isia.”
“Strength, reflexes, endurance, physical strength—all S-grade. But what about Divine Power? I lack knowledge in that area. Could you explain it to me?”
“For other Hunters and Awakened Ones to enhance their bodies or use special abilities, they need to use ‘mana.’ But Returnee Isia seems to use a power that’s a higher-grade version of mana. If we consider that using the same amount of mana and Divine Power to detonate a bomb, mana might blow up a room, whereas Divine Power could demolish a building.”
If Isia turned out to be A-grade or lower, they could just keep her existence hidden. They could support her with adequate mental health services and medication treatment, just like they did with other Returnees.
However, Mangja Seongnyeo Isia was far too powerful.
One might wonder what calamity could arise just because a single person possesses immense power, but today, an S-grade Hunter represents an asymmetrical strength; each human could be likened to carrying a nuclear bomb button.
Actually, you could think of it as one more nuclear bomb accompanying each S-grade Hunter.
The biggest issue is whether you can safely control that nuclear bomb.
Given that she received an overall rank of S, Isia was destined to eventually be exposed to the media and people, whether they liked it or not. Foreign governments, in particular, were sensitive about the presence of S-grade individuals.
During the era of Hunters, the quality and quantity of Hunters equate to national power, greatly influencing international dynamics.
Korea, a small nation, entered an era of prosperity after the Great Rift due to the existence of the first and strongest Hunter, “Yeonseo,” and because they successfully trained follow-up Hunters.
Conversely, after the Great Rift, China has been gradually on a downhill slope.
The “Saint” incident in China, recorded in textbooks, still brings sly chuckles.
“By the way, if Yeonseo ever catches wind of this meeting, she’ll come storming in here right away.”
“Surveillance of personal information without the individual’s consent is a problem, but the human rights association will likely kick up a fuss as well…”
“The Returnee Union of Council or whatever will also throw a fit since Yeonseo expressly told them to avoid any bizarre behavior concerning Returnee Isia…”
“But we haven’t crossed the line into ‘bizarre behavior’ yet, have we?”
“True. However, how Yeonseo would perceive it remains a different matter.”
But the most significant issue remained.
“The people’s reactions are the concern.”
“Indeed…”
“Sigh, life would’ve been much simpler if she just returned as a human,”
“Unfortunately, nothing goes as we wish.”
[A living legend and a Returnee with the power equivalent to humanity’s mightiest Hunter, Yeonseo, has arrived.]
At first glance, people would cheer.
But how would they react if they found out that the Returnee harbored a ‘Malicious Entity’ like hunger and belonged to a race known as the ‘Mangja Seongnyeo’?
What if there were unconfirmed psychological damages as well?
It was only natural for people to become fearful.
Some might even resort to extreme actions, rallying to demand her expulsion.
There would be people who welcomed the Returnee, but not all Returnees are good-hearted, and some groups of Returnees even commit acts of terror, claiming back their rights.
“Of course, it’s not like there are no Returnees of different races…”
There were Returnees with animal traits such as half-elves. Some had even crossed over with entirely different beings.
However, they all fell under the umbrella of a single term: “humanity.”
Regardless of their differing races, they were life forms that did not oppose humanity and could ultimately be referred to as subspecies of humans.
But Returnee Isia was fundamentally not human. She was a unique case of a Mangja Seongnyeo.
Though her skin appeared pale enough to resemble a human, her essence was that of the deceased.
She openly declared herself to be suffering from ‘hunger,’ opposing the living.
How the populace would accept a Returnee of that nature remained uncertain, even for the Hunter Association.
This incidental live broadcast due to Isia’s mistake allowed the Association to monitor her effectively. However, how the people accepted her could determine future policies.
“By the way, wasn’t there a Skeleton Knight? Isn’t that also an undead?”
“Actually, they have a better situation compared to Returnee Isia. That Returnee has no history of mental issues whatsoever and doesn’t possess any peculiarities like ‘Malicious Entity,’ unlike Isia.”
“That’s right, Minister Kim Siyun. The Returnee’s appearance was completely unlike a human’s, which made it easier for people to accept him. He took on an entirely non-human form instead of resembling a person like in that unsettling valley of discord. Moreover, back then it was during the second Great Rift, far different from the current circumstances.”
The Skeleton Knight was a Returnee from fifteen years ago during the second Great Rift.
To manage the tremendous chaos caused by the Rift, they needed any helping hands they could find. The returnee Skeleton Knight garnered much goodwill and a positive image by helping many during that time, allowing him to quickly assimilate into society.
Now, fifteen years later, he was seen as a local gem of Ansan, participating in large events with the mayor and taking pictures with citizens.
But now?
The situation was entirely different.
If news of Returnee Isia being a Mangja Seongnyeo spread, the potential outcomes were unpredictable.
“As seen with the case of the Skeleton Knight, people might surprisingly accept it as nothing significant.”
“Then again, it might not happen.”
Regardless, the Association’s goal remained simple.
[Is Returnee Isia a threat to this country?]
Though the Association wasn’t entirely clean themselves, their fundamental purpose was the national interest and safety of the citizens of Korea.
“Wait! Didn’t you say the Skeleton Knight fit in easily because of his good image?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“However, back then, the Skeleton Knight gained a positive image for actively rescuing people during the second Great Rift, so the government didn’t even need to package it up. In today’s world, if the government were to promote and package Hunters in active role, it would foster backlash.”
“I just had a thought… isn’t the crux of the matter how people will accept Returnee Isia? And by the way… is she… actually a she now?”
“Before the Great Rift, she was considered male, but now she is recognized as female.”
“Oh, I see. Regardless, the issue lies in how people will receive a non-human like the Mangja Seongnyeo and the lack of means we have to control Returnee Isia.”
“In conclusion, that seems to be the case…?”
While it’s not that there aren’t dangerous individuals in a peaceful era, generating significant effects like during the Great Rift would be challenging.
“Summarizing the issues that our Returnee Isia is currently facing… she has a psychological vulnerability with unknown causes yet possesses extraordinary power comparable to Yeonseo. Also, she refuses to be associated with the country as a Returnee, making it difficult to deduce her behavioral principles or desires. To put it simply, we’re dealing with a bomb whose control measures are unclear?”
“Yes, she has confirmed ethics as a Returnee, but honestly, we don’t know when she might falter.”
“According to Director Choi, conversely, it was suggested that she might not break at all.”
At that, the minister looked toward the data screen showing Isia’s broadcast.
She could be seen stealing a wyvern egg while laughing heeheehee!, exuding a childlike smile, which ironically concealed the bomb within.
“Then we need to manage Returnee Isia’s mental state while keeping the surveillance looser to avoid triggering her mood for potential migration to another country. Thanks to Yeonseo’s warning, we can’t cross certain lines.”
“…That’s true.”
What the heck? This has turned into a hell mode, hasn’t it?
Director Choi Bomi, the deputy minister, Minister Kim, and the staff from the Hunter Association felt their heads throbbing in turmoil.
Nothing could be done.
Nor could anything be ignored.
“Um….”
At that moment, a staff member sitting at the end of the table raised their hand.
“Um, if it’s not too much trouble, could I offer a suggestion?”
“Of course.”
If the comments from the staff could assist in resolving the situation, they’d welcome it with open arms.
“So… I know this may sound bizarre, but what if we let Returnee Isia run an official Hunter broadcast sanctioned by our Association?”
“……….”
Silence fell over the conference room.
What kind of madness is that?
Did I hear that right?
Director Choi Bomi frowned, appearing to have a headache, while the deputy minister bowed his head toward the minister.
“I apologize, Minister Kim…”
“No, first, let’s hear why you thought of that.”
Just tell me your reason.
I’ll listen.
Otherwise, you’re done for.
With the many implications behind the minister’s words, the staff felt a lump rise in their throat as they began speaking.
“Well, you’re aware that Hunter streamers are all the rage these days.”
“Indeed, the government has been encouraging A-grade Hunters and above to stream. It makes it easier for Hunters to create friendly images and public sentiment. That’s been proven.”
“Exactly! So, while we haven’t directly consulted Returnee Isia, if she were to be officially granted Hunter certification by us and then conduct broadcasts certified by the Association, the issues the minister mentioned beforehand would be sufficiently addressed.”
“…….Hmm”
With the minister pondering, the deputy minister bowed his head even further.
“I apologize. This staff member… I’ll train him…”
“No, Deputy Minister. Think about it; even if that suggestion seems absurd, it might just be accurate.”
“What?”
“Fulfills the observation part, you see. If the broadcast has the Association’s certification mark, it might help people perceive Returnee Isia as a safe Returnee and not someone threatening to humanity.”
Consider this.
If Returnee Isia were to stream a Hunter show…
The Hunter Association would not have to employ personal surveillance or shady tactics; they could legally monitor her.
Because she would be broadcasting.
Archives would remain.
Records and videos would be retained on the Switch.
The Hunter Association would have to continue monitoring and refreshing their data on Returnee Isia, whether they wanted to or not.
And, in an outlandish twist of fate, if Returnee Isia ended up enjoying the broadcasting experience, it might help remedy her mental instability.
Even if she is a Mangja, if she were broadcasting while holding the Association’s certification mark… even those who initially recoiled at her being undead may start to think, “Oh? She’s certified by the Association? Maybe she’s just a peculiar Returnee?”
“And didn’t we mention that Returnee Isia has an unusual appetite? She apparently needs to consume Malicious Entities, right?”
“Yes, it appears to be primarily from monsters. The fact that she made stewed wyvern egg dishes this time seems to support that.”
“Then if she just reports in, wouldn’t it be fine for Isia to consume all dungeon byproducts? That could be genuinely beneficial! The Returnee Side might even consider this proposal positively!”
“Uh…”
What’s going on? Why does this seem like a solid idea?
“Minister Choi, when’s the next ethics inspection for Returnee Isia?”
“The schedule hasn’t been determined yet.”
“Let’s expedite it and grant approval for the whole Hunter broadcasting suggestion. If it resolves the issues, wouldn’t that be great?”
“Yes, understood.”
○○○○○
At that moment, Shia was combing through the discussions surrounding her in the hunter genre gallery, binge-reading every related post.
Naturally, her initial reaction was one of disbelief.
What in the world am I doing here?
Gifs of her heart fluttering, captured as if in a museum, were plastered all over.
But as she continued scrolling through the posts, the realization dawned upon her: it was less about her chest and more about how the shockingly malicious individuals praised her for cooking the wyvern egg.
Amid it all, the high-quality gifs and photos oddly amused her.
“…..”
Initially flustered, Shia gradually regained her composure.
After all, she hadn’t really committed any sins or wrongdoings.
Though she had instilled the fear of death in wyverns, wasn’t that something monsters deserved?
Furthermore, if those wyverns multiplied excessively and wandered out of the gates, they could cause significant harm to people.
In fact, people were praising Shia.
A dazzling battle, like something straight out of a video game.
The buzz of a new S-grade Hunter’s emergence stirred excitement.
Though many comments and posts crossed the line, there were also plenty praising her beauty and her large, attractive chest.
“…….Hehe..”
In a strange twist, Shia felt a surge of good vibes.
Even when reading overly suggestive comments, or facing excessive harassment, Shia didn’t mind.
While not a traditional fantasy saint, she was a Mangja Seongnyeo.
She had lived as a saint for over 60 years and undergone numerous experiences; such light forms of harassment didn’t even register as offenses against her.
She could probably brush off most of it.
She wasn’t even angry about it.
“Am I… pretty? Yeah, I guess I am… Menelapie said so, and Teresa said I’m pretty too.”
Reflecting on the changes in her spirit since she no longer identified as male, Shia brought a smile while looking at her own images on the hunter genre gallery.
“Am I… suited to be a streamer?”
[Are you okay, Unnie?]
“Oh! Sorry, Bingoo. I forgot we were on the phone.”
[I’m good! I was just making wyvern egg stew while chatting with you!]
“Oh… that sounds delicious…”
[You had some yesterday, though?]
“But it was so good… your wyvern egg stew sounds scrumptious too…”
[Want me to bring you some?]
“Really!? Uh, no… I bought it for you; you should eat it…”
[Unnie, there’s enough for 30 servings in one egg. I can’t eat it all myself.]
“Well, in that case, I won’t hold back.”
During their conversation, Yeonhwa paused for a moment.
[Um, Unnie…]
“Yeah?”
[Did you feel really bad about it?]
“Bad? Why? I’m fine!”
[You’re really okay with it…?]
Yeonhwa’s voice displayed a hint of incredulity.
Well, anyone would be troubled if their images were spread everywhere without consent.
“Seriously, I’m fine! I feel a bit better, actually!”
[Better?]
“People seem to be enjoying seeing me.”
[…Huh?]
Is it really just that?
“I was the right hand of Menelapie… no, the Emperor. While I helped beat the Demon King, I wasn’t the brightest, so how could I handle politics? As a saint, my duties as the Emperor’s right hand were all about…”
[What were your duties?]
“Comforting the people’s hearts. Healing the injured, bearing the burdens of the suffering, listening to the words of the poor and the needy.”
However, tending to the injured and soothing the angry populace could sometimes yield unexpected outcomes.
People injured during wars caused by demons often vented their anger on Shia, treating her like a punching bag, or dumping their emotional frustrations on her.
She’d faced wrath when met with inhuman cruelty despite extending her mercy.
Scarring memories piled up in her consciousness thanks to those unreasonable experiences, but Shia accepted them all.
As such, she gained the support and adoration of the Emperor alongside the citizens of the Empire.
Compared to all that, what’s the issue?
The hunter genre gallery? The malicious mobs? The creeps?
It felt comically light and cute.
“I do love meat… but… Even as a Mangja, I’m still a saint. No matter the form, being the subject of joy is just a reason for happiness.”
[………………]
Yeonhwa’s voice was silent over the smart watch.
She was probably taken aback.
She once thought of her unusually quirky sister, but in reality, Shia’s capacity for acceptance and kindness far exceeded her expectations.
If only she’d shown that much compassion to the wyverns…
Well, they don’t have human rights anyway.
Yeonhwa saved the IP addresses and archival captures of the malicious trolls from the hunter genre gallery through the Yeon family’s lawyers.
If Shia sister had gotten upset or angered due to the excessive trolling posts and comments, Yeonhwa would have immediately sought out the Yeon family lawyers and the courts.
She’d thought of showing the nasty keyboard warriors how bitter reality could be, but…
In contrast to her expectations, the sincere joy emanating from the Mangja Seongnyeo made her decide it was better to hold back.
[Um, Unnie.]
“Yeah?”
[Would you like to try broadcasting?]
“…Huh?”
