Going to Japan (2)
“You mean the Artemis Guild.”
Yerim said, getting her hair styled before getting off the plane.
“It’s Amaterasu.”
“Anyway, that guild. Why did they name it after a foreign god? And one I haven’t really heard of. There are so many famous gods. Zeus, Athena, Apollo, Odin, Thor, and so on.”
“Wouldn’t all the famous gods already be taken? Don’t bring it up unnecessarily. It’s best to stay quiet if you don’t know something.”
The guild leader can name the guild whatever they want. An English name like that is okay for international exchange.
“Amaterasu is a Japanese god.”
The guide standing nearby said. A Japanese god? Then why does the name sound like that? I thought it was a Greek god. Yerim also looked surprised.
“She is the sun goddess said to be the ancestor of the Japanese imperial family. So, at one time, many people criticized the arrogance of the Amaterasu Guild, but…”
The guide lowered his voice slightly.
“Now, the Amaterasu Guild is practically the king of Japan. Outwardly, they say they protect Japan and the Japanese imperial family, but neither the Emperor nor the Prime Minister can utter a word in front of the Amaterasu Guild Leader.”
Oh dear. I’m glad we came as a group. Japan is still functioning properly as a country, but you never know. If there are this many S-Rank Hunters, they can’t do anything rash.
“In addition, the Amaterasu Guild Leader’s real name is hidden. He calls himself Shishio, but, ahem.”
The guide said, embarrassed for some reason. I wonder what it means. The translation item is so good that it doesn’t translate names or place names. I sometimes wonder how it works.
“Hyung, just a moment.”
Yoohyun called me and headed towards the sleeping quarters. It was a place where all sides were blocked when the door was closed, and it was also soundproof.
“It’s not that I don’t trust you at all. But we need to be more careful because we’re overseas.”
“Don’t worry. I’ve said it several times already. I’ll never go alone. I’ll take Peace and Bellalre with me as much as possible.”
There might be an item that can change appearances like Myungwoo’s glasses. So, I decided to keep Peace and Bellalre by my side. With an S-Rank monster and an A-Rank poison skill, there won’t be any problems unless two or three S-Rank Hunters attack at the same time.
“You must never reveal your skills. Especially the one that shares, that one. I told you before, it’s really dangerous.”
He must be talking about the skill that doubles the effect of attack skills.
“I know. I won’t even mention it, let alone use it unless it’s someone I can trust.”
“You can trust me and the Seseong Guild Leader. Noah Hunter was a support type, so he probably didn’t realize it, and Director Song Taewon is a special case. But not other Hunters.”
Yoohyun said seriously.
“If they’re already top-ranked, they can still restrain themselves. But if they’re not, especially if they’re mediocre combat-type Hunters, it’s a skill that’s more tempting than anything else. Because they can become the best in an instant.”
Is it more attractive to those who are slightly below genius level? Come to think of it, people who are barely out of the rankings would be more desperate to improve their skills than gold medalists.
“Even if you think about it simply, I know it’s a skill that’s worth turning your eyes over.”
No matter where you apply it, it’s amazing. For example, if my grades doubled when I shared my skill… oh, that’s a little scary. A student who barely scored in the middle suddenly gets a perfect score on the college entrance exam. I want to apply it to Yerim. She’s an S-Rank Hunter and also gets a perfect score on the college entrance exam. Yoohyun, it’s not too late, let’s take the college entrance exam.
“I’ll be careful. Really.”
I wonder if there’s really no way to extract only the skill and make it into an item. I’m feeling regretful again.
“Preparation is complete!”
A person from the Japan Hunter Association said after receiving a call on the radio. They put some thought into it; it’s Korean. I picked up Peace and placed Bbyak Bbyak on Peace’s body instead of my head.
‘It’s like an S-Rank Hunter parade.’
It was the same when we departed from Korea, but it’s even more embarrassing now. Everyone is so dazzling that I wonder if I should be here; should I wear sunglasses?
“Ahjussi, come this way!”
Yerim gestured towards her side. No, you’re the main character; it’s too far ahead. But it might be better to stand between Yerim and Moon Hyuna.
‘First of all, I can’t be near Seong Hyunjae.’
The height difference alone is serious. I glanced at him and made eye contact with Seong Hyunjae. I almost reflexively avoided it again, but this time I looked at him. If you think I’m lacking, just turn your attention off. I briefly met his gaze and then naturally shifted it.
Myungwoo and Noah are also formidable. They’re both handsome, haha. I wonder if I can just pretend to be an attendant and stay in the back. I think I’ll be well hidden.
“Ahjussi, what are you doing?”
Yerim, unable to wait, came and dragged me away. I was about to call Moon Hyuna, but Yoohyun stood next to me first. Yeah, well. I expected that.
The plane door opened, and a staircase covered in red cloth appeared. Yerim took the lead, and I followed behind.
‘…What is that.’
The first thing that caught my eye as soon as I got out of the plane was the people in uniform lined up in a long row. The uniforms were a mix of white and red, and there was some kind of emblem on one side of the chest. It’s similar to a Western family crest; is that a lion?
More than that, what is this? I want to go back into the plane.
“They’re even giving us a welcoming event?”
Yerim looked like she was having fun. She lightly bounced down the stairs, waving her hand. My face stiffened as the broadcasting station camera pointed this way. It was said that it would be broadcast live in both Korea and Japan.
A large man stood a little away from the plane stairs, accompanied by attendants. He is the leader of Amaterasu.
He felt bigger in person than he looked on TV. With a distinctly angular face and disheveled blonde hair, he didn’t look like a Japanese person, let alone an Asian. His hair must be dyed, though. He came out with red hair in the ranking match.
The Amaterasu Guild Leader was also wearing a uniform. The basic design was similar to the ones worn by the people lined up on both sides, but it was much more ornate… Is that the guild uniform? It’s not uncommon to match guild uniforms, but, um. It’s not common in Korea. Especially something like that, for ceremonial purposes…….
The most common thing in Korea was group baseball jackets. Small guilds can easily match them, and if they have a budget, they can make them from dungeon byproducts, which are easy to store and highly practical.
“Welcome to Japan!”
“Hunter Park Yerim, welcome to Japan!”
Children in their mid-teens, who seemed to have been carefully selected for their appearance, greeted us with bright smiles. They greeted each one of us, but because there were S-Rank Awakened people gathered, they were inevitably intimidated and a little scared.
What are they doing sending non-Awakened children this close? If they’re going to do it, they should have them clap from a distance. Unless they use related skills or items, even if they suppress their aura as much as possible, it’s bound to have some impact.
The children stepped back, and the Amaterasu Guild Leader approached. He was practically the king of Japan, and his arrogance seemed to overflow from his entire body. Yerim straightened her neck and faced him.
“I am Shishio, the leader of the Amaterasu Guild, representing Japan. Hunter Park Yerim, it’s a pleasure to meet you like this.”
“Yes, hello.”
Yerim greeted him as if she had met a neighborhood *ahjussi* [a friendly term for an older man]. Yerim, introduce yourself.
“…I have to introduce myself.”
After whispering softly, she said again with an ‘ah-cha’.
“I am Park Yerim, an S-Rank Hunter belonging to the Haeyeon Guild of Korea. Thank you for welcoming me.”
The Amaterasu Guild Leader now looked at me. He smiled brightly, revealing his teeth, and his gaze lingered on Peace in my arms.
“I am Han Yoojin, the director of the Korean Beast Care Center. Thank you for your hospitality.”
“I’ve heard a lot about Director Han. This is really nice. Is the beast you’re holding the famous Flame-Horned Lion?”
“Yes, this is Peace.”
The Amaterasu Guild Leader suddenly reached out his hand. Then Peace bared his fangs.
– Grrr.
At the threatening growl, he smiled even more brightly without a hint of displeasure.
“Such a loyal lion, I like it very much. It seems that the Haeyeon Guild has not yet obtained a second Flame-Horned Lion cub.”
“Rare monster cubs are rare.”
The dungeon where the Flame-Horned Lion appears as a boss has been cleared twice since then. But the cub monster did not appear. If it came out that easily, the Care Center would be overflowing with domestic requests for S-Rank cub monsters alone.
After Peace, Comet was the only top-grade cub monster in Korea. Even high-grade ones have never been captured yet. Low-grade ones are relatively common, but there’s no need to raise cubs of that grade; you can just tame the adults right away.
“I have requested cooperation from the Haeyeon Guild several times to obtain the Flame-Horned Lion, but they have not given me a positive answer. It’s disappointing.”
Saying that, the Amaterasu Guild Leader looked at Yoohyun.
“You look even younger in person, Haeyeon Guild Leader.”
“You have to offer proper conditions to accept.”
A cold air swirled between the two. They’re not going to start fighting as soon as we arrive, are they? Yerim, don’t like it. Hyuna-ssi, don’t smile. Fortunately, the Amaterasu Guild Leader backed down first.
“Even though I brought gifts, you’re still being picky. I think I’ve shown enough sincerity, so think about it again carefully.”
Was the reason for giving the ceremonial sword mixed with that? I feel a little bad. You’re planning to eat the slime dungeon with your own merits, and you’re aiming for the top-grade monster. If that’s the case, put out one more.
Next, Moon Hyuna and Noah also greeted the Amaterasu Guild Leader. It seemed that Moon Hyuna had met him once before. She said that she had visited Japan. And Noah.
“Contact me anytime. I promise you the best treatment.”
The Amaterasu Guild Leader handed over a shiny business card. Noah reluctantly accepted the business card. Similar words were exchanged with Myungwoo. He handed over a business card and asked him to tell him if there were any materials he needed, acting friendly.
“I firmly believe that you will be able to produce SS-Rank weapons soon.”
He was even particularly polite. Even a guy like that is bowing his head; Myungwoo must be amazing. When the SS-Rank weapon is completed, S-Rank Hunters from all over the world will be anxious. Since there was even the possibility of something beyond that, it was wise to bow down in advance.
Finally, it was Seong Hyunjae’s turn. A brief silence flowed between the two. The Amaterasu Guild Leader spoke first.
“It’s been a while, Seseong Guild Leader.”
“It seems you’ve been living comfortably, Amaterasu Guild Leader.”
It ended there without further ado. The Amaterasu Guild Leader turned around, saying that he would guide us to the hotel. As we walked along the path laid on the floor, a crowd of people gathered beyond the fence appeared.
At the same time, cheers erupted.
“Hunter Han Yoohyun!”
“Hunter Park Yerim!”
“Seseong Guild Leader!”
It was mainly those three, but Noah and Moon Hyuna’s names were also occasionally heard. Even Peace. They were not only shouting, but even crying. What is this, what is this? I’ve heard that they’re popular, but they’re not real celebrities. Did the Amaterasu Guild pay people to gather? But it seemed genuine.
Placards were waving, and Peace’s fake doll was held high. Amidst all kinds of mixed sounds, it was hard to understand properly.
‘…What is that again.’
It was a picture. There were some with only faces, and some with half-length life-size, ah, really. I’ve seen celebrity life-size photos in street advertisements, but someone I know, ah, even if it’s just the face, I’m there too. Wait a minute. And that, what is that doll? It’s not a monster, it’s a person. Yoo, Yoohyun? School uniform……? Yerim was also there. As expected, in a school uniform, shaking two together…….
…I kind of want that.
Amidst a lot of embarrassment, we moved to the hotel by car. It was said that there were several early dungeon breaks in Tokyo, Japan, which caused a lot of damage. The hotel we’re going to now was built after the dungeon shock and was recently completed, owned by the Amaterasu Guild.
The area around the hotel was controlled, so it was less crowded than the airport and the road to get here. It’s good that it’s quiet, but.
“Ahjussi, take a picture for me!”
Yerim said with a bright smile, standing next to my life-size photo. Crazy, why are they putting something like that up? I want to go home. I need a shame resistance skill. It felt like I was going to die even more because there were other people too.
“…Yerim.”
“Should we ask them to give it to us when we go back?”
No, let’s not do that, please. Moon Hyuna took a picture of Yerim instead of me, who wanted to dig into the ground. The broadcasting station camera is still there. It’s so embarrassing. Am I the only one who’s embarrassed? Why is everyone taking pictures so casually? Yoohyun, why are you doing that too? Moon Hyuna raised her middle finger towards the Seseong Guild Leader’s photo and smiled brightly. Following Noah and Myungwoo, even Seong Hyunjae was taking commemorative photos.
…I want to take a picture of Peace, Yoohyun, and Yerim. Noah and Myungwoo also came out well. Moon Hyuna, of course, and Seong Hyunjae too. I want to exclude only mine.
“All the facilities of the hotel are available for your free use. Please choose the room you want.”
The hotel staff said kindly. Before entering the lobby, the Amaterasu Guild Leader grabbed me.
“I would like you to show me the adult form of the Flame-Horned Lion, even for the sake of the Japanese people. Everyone has high expectations.”
He pointed to the camera with his hand. It seems like you want to see it, not the people. It wasn’t a big request, so I hesitated to refuse, but Yoohyun, who was standing next to me, said quietly.
“Peace.”
At that call, Peace jumped out of my arms. His small body swelled up in an instant, and his red fur fluttered splendidly. A sharp single horn and a rich mane that gradually turned darker gold towards the end. It was a little bigger, and the color of the fur was glossier than when it first transformed into an adult.
A huge beast that seemed to embody flames growled lowly. The Amaterasu Guild Leader smiled so wide that his mouth tore.
“Wonderful! Really the best!”
His face was full of deep greed. His eyes were so blatant that I was worried that he would try to take Peace away right away. There won’t be any problems since there are many of us, but it’s bothering me.
Peace, who had lightly turned his body once, turned small again and snuggled into my arms. The Amaterasu Guild Leader, who couldn’t take his eyes off Peace, turned his gaze to Yoohyun.
“It was following the owner’s token, right, definitely. The slime dungeon is good, but it would have been okay to bet a monster.”
“If you’re going to start a fight, I won’t refuse.”
Yoohyun said coldly and turned his body towards the hotel with me.
“Hyung wouldn’t like betting Peace, but I want to trample him if I could.”
My brother said quietly. The Amaterasu Guild Leader’s blatant attitude seemed to bother him greatly. His eyes, which had sunk darkly, were cool and, at the same time, held something like heat.
Such a violent impulse to tear off the neck of an enemy trying to invade his territory right away. Feeling that, Yerim and Moon Hyuna, who had entered the lobby first, looked at Yoohyun.
Even if he acted like a kid in front of me, he’s an S-Rank Hunter.
“Betting Peace is not good and could set a bad precedent, so if you’re going to do it, put out the Flame-Horned Lion dungeon or a cub monster that will come out someday as bait.”
Yoohyun’s eyes widened, and then he smiled brightly. You wouldn’t lose to a guy like that; do whatever you want.