On Hiatus: God's Personal Reasons

Chapter 121: Creation-type Hunter Kang Woo

Sung Mi-Na was speaking with the chairman of the Hunter Association in his office.

“Oh, you’re resuming duty? That’s great news.” A small smile appeared on the older man’s face.

Contrary to public belief, Sung Mi-Na was an SS-rank Hunter, not S-rank. After becoming an S-rank Hunter, Sung Mi-Ri, her younger sister, had been trying to substitute her in the Hunter Association. However, Sung Mi-Ri was still lacking in terms of experience and skill.

“Yes, but I’m not planning to return to what I did before just yet. I’ll just take on the tougher S-rank gates.”

“Haha, that’s more than enough.”

Sung Mi-Na’s mind control skill worked even on S-rank monsters, making her a specialist in dungeon raids. Her power might be slightly weaker against enemies of the same rank, but it was devastating toward those of S-rank and below.

“By the way, why would Uncle Kang Woo need a bodyguard? While he isn’t a Combat-type, he’s still a high-ranking Hunter.”

“This is classified information, but S-rank Creation-type Hunters like America’s Rita Miller, United Kingdom’s John Carnesh, and France’s Dom Foin have gone missing. All of them have access to the Hunter Shop.”

Although less powerful than Combat-type Hunters, S-rank Creation-type Hunters were regarded as national treasures in their respective regions because of their access to the Hunter Shop. By spending an exorbitant amount of gold, one could buy a piece of Mythic-grade equipment, which in turn would ascend their combat power to the next level.

“The situation is much worse than I thought...”

“Indeed. Even other countries' leaders are uneasy about it. If anything were to happen to Kang Woo...”

“Now, I understand the issue. But why did you choose to entrust the role to him, of all people?”

“Truthfully, I intended to assign Kang San or Shin Woo, but everyone kept recommending Yu Il-Shin, including Kang Woo himself.”

“Well, I applaud their judgment. Yu Il-Shin might not seem reliable in some areas, but Kang Woo is the safest in his hands.”

With a grin, Sung Mi-Na added. “If an SSS-rank Hunter ever appears in our country, that person would definitely be Yu Il-Shin.”

***

And so, I, Bodyguard Yu Il-Shin, headed to a luxury hotel renowned by name alone. Upon arriving, a secretary from the Hunter Association led me to a certain suite. Apparently, the U.S. president had stayed in this room during a past visit.

“We’ve arrived. I shall entrust him to you.” The secretary bowed, excusing himself.

He’s always so polite toward me.

“Ah, okay.”

Ding dong—

As I pressed the bell, my heart pounded with excitement. Who could it be, eagerly seeking my protection? A global superstar? A foreign princess? An otherworldly elf? Whoever it was, I, Yu Il-Shin, was ready to fend off any villains who sought to harm her! Hopefully, after going through trials and tribulations, a romance would blossom between us!

“Oh, you’re here.”

A weird guy awaited my arrival at the door in a bathrobe, spelling the end of my career as a third-rate screenwriter.

Romance is dead.

It wasn’t our first meeting. I’d seen him from a distance at the Hunter Association, when I stole Akdol. He was the Creation-type Hunter, Kang Woo.

“Yes... Hello, Hunter Kang Woo.”

“You’re Yu Il-Shin, right? I’ve heard a lot about you. What’s wrong? You look off.”

“Oh, it’s nothing...”

Kang Woo chuckled, patting my shoulder. “You must be nervous! It’s okay. Your job as a bodyguard is pretty simple. Besides, what could possibly happen in a place as secure as Korea? The higher-ups are being paranoid. Don’t worry too much, just think of this as a vacation.”

“But from what I heard, you specifically asked for me to take on this role. There are many other S-rank Hunters, so why me...?”

Kang Woo smirked while picking up a glass of alcohol on the table.

Wow, he’s drinking in broad daylight!

The fact that I had to protect a goddamn uncle was already a huge minus for me, and now this? Minus 100 points!

“There’s nothing behind it. I’d feel bad taking up the time of my friends, who are already so busy. Also,” Kang Woo stared at me with a glimmer in his eyes, “have you heard of the saying that ‘curiosity is the root of all creation’? You’ve greatly piqued my interest.”

Now, if only the one who said that is a beauty. But because it was him, it fell flat instead.

“Ah, would you like a glass?”

Kang Woo offered me a glass, seemingly not wanting to drink alone.

“Tsk, drinking when the sun is still...”

Domaine de la Romanee Conti, Grands Echezeaux 1967

I was about to decline, saying I wouldn’t drink while on duty, but the label on the bottle changed my mind.

I couldn’t read all of it, but there was definitely Romanee Conti on the label! The finest of all wines, costing tens of millions per bottle!

“Gladly! Hyungnim, you’re so cool. Thank you.”

“Ah... Y-yes. Have a glass.”

Honestly, I didn’t know much about wine or its flavor, but compared to the cheap wine I used to buy once in a while, it seemed to have a different acidity. While sipping on the drink, I glanced briefly at Kang Woo.

A glass of this must be expensive as heck! Hyungnim, you’re so kind!

Ding!

[The innate power Blind Eyes of God has been activated.]

-----

[Kang Woo]

A male human. Around for 52 years.

Special note: Bore the Blessings of the Guardian of Fire and Blacksmith. Also did ??

-----

My power activated on its own, revealing Kang Woo’s information to me.

He’s in his fifties? Strange, I recall him being in his late thirties...

Well, he might be one of those celebrities and entertainers who lied about their age. Still, he looked quite young for his age.

But, what was with “??” in the special note? It’d been a while since I last saw something like this.

Nevertheless, I’d grown stronger, so if I focused hard enough on the obscured words, I might be able to decipher them...

“What’s wrong? Is there something on my face?”

Then again, I didn’t really have to look too much into him, did I? He was just a middle-aged man. This whole thing was weird.

“I’m just observing my client, Mr. Kang Woo. It’s the basics of working as a bodyguard.”

“Puahaha! You’re more interesting than I thought! Hmm, but what’s that smell?” Kang Woo scrunched his nose at me, backing away in disgust. “Ugh! When did you last take a shower! You smell like the gutter!”

Sniff sniff—

Although I did take a shower before coming here, getting rid of the beggar smell was going to take a while.

“Ugh, go take a bath right now.” Kang Woo frowned, pointing at the bathroom.

“Understood.” I ran over without a word.

When else would I be able to shower in a suite that cost over ten million Korean won a night? This was all part of the experience.

“Wow! This is amazing!”

The bathroom was much more splendid than I thought! It was much bigger and cozier than my own room! Not only was it made with expensive marble, it even had a chandelier hanging from the ceiling! I could see the amazing Namsan outside the window! Moreover, it even had a sofa to relax on!

“Goddamn... Is this the life of a celebrity? I better bask in all of this for my writing in the future!”

I stepped into the shower while humming a melody. Seeing how it lathered up so nicely, the body wash must’ve been expensive. Indulging like this once in a while wasn’t so bad.

Just as I was enjoying my bath while admiring the view of Namsan...

Flash! Bam bam bam!

Suddenly, a huge explosion rang outside!

Huh?! Is it an attack?!

“Mr. Kang Woo! What happened?!”

I ran out in a flash, only to find a huge gaping hole in the ceiling. Then, I saw the older man covered in dirt, along with someone else in a helmet and black tights. The latter seemed to be the one behind this mess.

She was none other than S-rank Hunter, Thunder Emperor. In other words, Sung Mi-Ri.

Sung Mi-Ri took off her helmet and shouted, “Teacher Yu Il-Shin! I’m here to save you! Huh? Uncle Kang Woo, what are you doing here?”

“...I should be the one asking you that.”

Staring at Kang Woo and then my naked self, Sung Mi-Ri turned away in a hurry, blushing profusely.

“I-I didn’t expect Uncle Kang Woo and my teacher to be in that kind of relationship!”

I covered my private part and yelled, “NO! AS IF!”

What kind of nasty misunderstanding is she having?!

Just as I was wondering how I should explain this situation, I saw another black spot outside the window.

Swooosh! Claaaang!

Something smashed through the window—a black guy wrapped in wire!

It’s the real intruder!

“Mr. Kang Woo! Get behind me!” I quickly jumped in front of the older man.

The intruder rolled several times across the floor, making such a cinematic entrance.

“Mr. Sword God, are you alright!?”

Yet, he was all too familiar to me.

Sword God glared at Kang Woo. “You! Are you the one who kidnapped Mr. Sword God?!”

My head throbbed. What a mess...

Above all, couldn’t they use the door like normal people?!

Whooosh!

A cool breeze blew in through the broken window and gaping ceiling, making me shiver.

Haa... Let’s put on some clothes first.

***

Sung Mi-Ri and Sword Demon knelt on the ground, reflecting on their actions.

After getting dressed, I turned to them, asking, “Didn’t you hear from Ms. Sung Mi-Na?”

“What?”

“...?”

Seeing the genuine obliviousness in their eyes, I sighed.

“Then how did you find out I was here?”

With gleaming eyes, Sword Demon screamed, “After your sudden disappearance, I searched all over the country for your whereabouts, but I couldn’t find you no matter what! So, I returned to Seoul, planning to start searching abroad. Then suddenly, I felt your aura!”

“Ah! Uncle Sword Demon too? It was the same for me!”

“As expected of Mr. Sword God’s disciple.”

Seeing their smiles made my head spin. So, they couldn’t sense me because I was overseas this whole time, but as soon as I set foot in Korea, they felt my presence?

Honestly, it’s a bit scary...

“Still, Teacher, you’re too much! You should’ve contacted me as soon as you returned!”

“Don’t you know how worried I was?! From now on, I shall never leave your side!”

Sung Mi-Ri and Sword Demon burst into tears, clinging onto me.

“Haa...”

Sure, I was touched that they were worried about me and all. But use the goddamn door, you fanatics! Nôv(el)B\\jnn

Another gust of cold breeze blew in.

“How are you going to make up for the damage you’ve caused?”

Both of them flinched.

“I-is the repair fee going to be expensive, Teacher...?”

“I only broke the window!”

Well, what do you guys think? This suite cost over ten million Korean won a night.

“I think I can take care of that.”

Kang Woo, who had been watching our entire skit with amusement, got up from the sofa.

“I think I can take care of that.”

“Wow! N-no way, are you going to cover the expense?”

Hyungnim, you’re way cooler than I thought! I’m honored to become your bodyguard!

But, Kang Woo shook his head. “No.”

Ugh, I take back what I just said. He got my hopes up only to let me down.

“Instead, let’s do it this way.” Kang Woo smiled, raising both his hands. “Skill, Restore.”

Flash!

A dazzling flash of light shone from his hands, and time began turning backward.