The Chinese military was in chaos over the zombie situation in various places, but they had not completely lost their strength. Modern weapons were still intact, and hunters who were busy still had missiles capable of lightly shooting down airplanes.

Director Song’s party slipped away quickly when the military’s chaos peaked, but a full day later things seemed to have calmed down somewhat. That was why I was standing in front of the camera.

“It’s embarrassing to keep turning up like I’ve been kidnapped every time something happens.”

I dressed in Chinese-style clothes and put on a bit of makeup to look lively. Since I had already contacted Korea, the broadcast would go straight to TV. When the camera turned on, I offered a bright, polite greeting.

“I have been safely rescued. Although I cannot reveal my name, I thank every member of the rescue team.”

The S-rank hunters who rescued me are not here. Yuhyun is in the midst of clearing the dungeon, Yerim is in Japan, and the Sesung Guild Master is under house arrest.

So the people who saved me were purely fictional.

There will be many more who aim for me in the future. Those drawn in by Chatterbox, and surely that cult will approach as well. So I decided to create an imaginary rescue team. A highly skilled hunter team that came to save me, its true identity shrouded in mystery.

A kind of scarecrow—to make flocks of sparrows think, “Oh, they’re more heavily guarded than expected,” and deter easy attacks.

“In addition, I express my gratitude for the cooperation of the Chinese government. Because you provided detailed information on the kidnappers who passed through China, I was rescued without excessive delay. I am now waiting for a plane here in Xi’an.”

Thank you so much for the items, China~

“They say the Sesung Guild’s private jet will soon arrive at Xi’an Xianyang Airport. I want to return to Korea as soon as possible. I miss my brother very much.”

Beloved Korea, beloved home. With China’s cooperation, I will return safely~ I’m even broadcasting it. They won’t shoot down the plane. In truth, even if they attacked, it wouldn’t matter much. Those on board wouldn’t be hurt, and if Peace and Noah exert effort, they could accompany us all the way. The incoming private jet’s pilot and crew were all mid-rank hunters—personnel for dangerous zones, apparently.

Still, safe travel is preferable. But more important—

‘I hope Teacher Hoyun’s party escapes safely.’

While drawing attention here, Teacher Hoyun and his family, and several hunters seeking asylum in Korea, were slipping out of China. The military couldn’t widen its surveillance network now. A flashy decoy would distract their attention elsewhere.

At first I considered going with them, but there were more non-awakeners and low-rank awakeners than expected. It seemed safer to have them slip away quietly on their own.

“I hope this incident also leads to active exchanges with the hidden Chinese hunter community. There are many outstanding hunters.”

Although many died because of us… still, it’s better than letting corruption fester until collapse. It’s someone else’s problem! We can’t pretend that, because dungeon breaks affect other countries too. If left unresolved, another country will have to clean up the mess.

I praised the Chinese hunters at length. Master Cho Hwayun, I hope you’re well—I owe you so much.

“And I thank you for your interest in the Kiseungsu Breeding Facility.”

Shouldn’t the broadcast end soon? I said everything I needed to—why stall for time?

“Um, I’ve heard many inquiries since the release date of the Peace doll has passed. After returning home, we’ll hold an event. Please look forward to it. And please love the baby monsters newly arriving at the Kiseungsu Breeding Facility.”

Various dolls and collaborations are in preparation, I hear. Anything else?

“We will also soon hold a special gathering for hunters at Kiseungsu. Detailed information will be announced after our return. Please show your interest.”

If I talked more, I’d have to take viewer calls. I can’t share private details. If it’s bragging about my kids, I could talk for hours.

Luckily the broadcast end signal came. I repeated my thanks to everyone and said I’d see them in Korea, then stood up.

While waiting for news and having lunch leisurely,

“They have safely set sail and there is no pursuit,” Eun Se-sun told me as she approached. Good, they got out safely. Opposite to us heading inland, Teacher Hoyun’s party headed for the port. It takes longer, but ships are less monitored and much safer than planes. Korea will send a ship to escort them partway.

“Then let’s depart as well.”

We had everything packed—nothing left behind.

Because of the undead, the airport was empty. Officially, an order forbade going out due to a dungeon breach and monster outbreak. Soldiers guarded the airport, but surveillance was not as strict as expected.

“Officially, the military did not kidnap Director Song.”

Eun Se-sun, dressed in everyday clothes, looked out the window as she spoke.

“Since the broadcast aired, they cannot openly block me. Many within the military don’t know the true details. Although the awakened hold real power, non-awakeners and low-rank awakeners outnumber them.”

Moreover, it is expected that the balance of power in the military and government will tilt toward non-awakeners after this incident. The Mulim Alliance even hopes the hunters and the government will be separate, like the non-aggression in martial arts worlds.

When I first saw Samok-wol, I thought, “What kind of circus is this?” But rather than create a new hunter system, it seems better to adopt a familiar culture.

“From here on, only Koreans may enter.”

Just before we approached the airfield where the private jet awaited, soldiers blocked our way. They’d given up on detaining me, but they intended to prevent Chinese hunters from slipping away. After all, news of an A-rank healer’s escape would already be known. They ❀ Nоvеlігht ❀ (Don’t copy, read here) could recapture in China, but overseas it becomes impossible.

“I left my ID at home.”

“I don’t have one either.”

“Yerim, you never had an ID in the first place.”

“I don’t have one.”

“I don’t carry ID. In such operations, it’s basic not to have items that prove your identity….”

Finally, Seong Hyunjae produced his wallet. Inside was not an ID but his hunter license—the one person least likely to carry it.

“Even the Sesung Guild Master can’t avoid an ID photo.”

His photo was handsome, though somewhat lacking compared to real life.

“They didn’t retouch it at all, it seems. For that, it turned out well.”

Yerim bent forward to examine Seong Hyunjae’s license. There was little to critique.

“How did your wallet survive that chaos?”

“I left it with Han Yujin before going to meet her.”

“Did you have something precious in it?”

“I won’t need to reissue my hunter license.”

True, that’s a pain. You have to apply in person, and B-rank or higher must retake a photo.

The soldier’s expression twisted further at seeing S-rank hunters who should be in Korea. Yet he did not question it—perhaps someone informed him of the situation.

“I will confirm your identity. Please state your body measurements.”

They then used heat-detecting cameras and measured our heights with a tape. Transformation skills or items usually deceive others’ eyes, not one’s actual body. There are cases like Noah or Yun-yun, but such high-rank skills are rare.

“My height remains unchanged……”

I’d leveled up quite a bit in the nightmare dungeon, but gained no new skills. Only stats increased. Where are the skills you gain every ten levels? Like Teacher’s skill, there must be special conditions, but I need to know them to attempt.

After passing inspection, we entered the airfield. As soon as Yerim saw the jet, she rushed inside, then immediately ran back out.

“This is not the plane!”

Huh?

“This is like a kindergarten plane!”

What? A kindergarten bus, not a plane? Yet the side clearly read SESUNG in English.

“It is the Sesung private jet.”

No other planes were ready to depart. I asked floating Yerim why, then climbed the steps and entered…

…It is not the Sesung private jet.

“What… is this?”

It was pink. Pink walls, pink sofas, pink tables—everything was pink. Even the murals on the walls were fairytale unicorns, colorful balloons, rainbows, cotton-candy clouds… Huh. There was even a Peace doll on the table.

“Un… unique.”

Noah looked bewildered. Yuhyun barely reacted.

“Indeed. Uh, Seong Hyunjae, you have… interesting taste.”

I never would’ve guessed he liked this. Wait—so that’s why he knitted so earnestly with hot-pink yarn? Somehow……

“This was prepared especially for Han Yuhyun.”

Seong Hyunjae said as though it was unfair. What?

“But it’s your private jet.”

“I had it refitted for the Kiseungsu Breeding Facility Director’s kidnapping. I thought seeing his favorite color would cheer him up.”

Putting the kidnapping aside for now—

“I don’t like it!”

Since when did I like pink!?

“Really?”

Yerim, not Seong Hyunjae, asked me.

“Of course not. I never said I liked it.”

“I thought you did. You say you hate it, but inside you don’t. Adults often do that. You used up that hot-pink yarn well. Pink isn’t bad, you know. You can be honest.”

“I just used yarn because it was there!”

“I thought you liked it too.”

“…What? Yuhyun?”

Why you of all people, Yuhyun?

“I’ve never bought pink things, have I?”

“Tastes can change. And pink suits you.”

“…Really?”

“Don’t trust him. He’s just smitten, but Han Yuhyun’s eyes are the problem. No matter if he wore a three-colored signal-flower suit, you’d say the same.”

“Anyway, I don’t like pink. I don’t dislike it terribly, but I don’t like it.”

The only tolerable thing was the Peace doll. How did he get it before release? When I picked up the doll, Peace approached.

“Peace, it’s your doll.”

“Woof.”

Peace wagged her tail and reached out a paw. Did she want it? When I gave the doll to Peace, she grabbed it and began tearing it apart joyfully. Well, dogs and cats do play by gnawing their toys. White stuffing drifted across the pink carpet.

“I appreciate the gesture, but honestly it’s overwhelming.”

“Song Taewon seemed to like it.”

“…Did you ride this when coming to China?”

“Of course.”

Good heavens. I sidled over to Seong Hyunjae and quietly asked,

“Do you have any photos or videos?”

“Unfortunately, filming is prohibited for security reasons.”

Director Song sat right here? I honestly wanted to see it. And he said he liked it. Does Director Song like pink? Should I knit him a pink sweater for Christmas? Handmade would be nice.

I looked around, and sure enough, everywhere was pink—even the bathroom walls.

“…Why is there a bathtub on the plane? And a whirlpool tub at that.”

And it was hot pink. The bed was pink, and beside it stood a flamingo ornament. The cups, plates, forks—also pink.

They went all out in extravagant spending.

By the time I walked one circuit of the plane, departure preparations were complete. I returned to that reception room and sat on a pink sofa. If I’d been kidnapped here, I’d be too stunned to get angry. What on earth is this?

“Let’s finish organizing the items.”

I handed the three swords to Yuhyun without hesitation. She could keep them for blade devourers or lend them to guildmates. Then there were the wires—how to distribute those?

“Does anyone know how to give this wire to Director Song?”

No one raised a hand.

Excluding the four weapons, eight S-rank items remained. I pulled out an S-rank outer garment: an autumn prairie jacket, a khaki windbreaker.

“Look at this, Yerim. What do you think?”

Yerim had no S-rank outerwear aside from her shawl—and a shawl hardly counted.

“Not bad. Though it might look funny in summer.”

“It’s an item, after all. The stats are good: defense and a momentary agility boost. For an outer garment, the magic stat is high, too.”

Yerim tried on the windbreaker. It suited her quite well.

“How is it?”

“It’s perfect—so cute! There’s also a half-coat here. Its stats suit you less than the windbreaker, but it’s still good.”

Both were S-rank.

“Until an SS-rank arrives, rotate S-ranks appropriately. And here, gloves.”

“Can I wear rings with gloves?”

“That’s fine. Gloves’ fingers are mostly decorative. Palms and backs don’t stack, though.”

But the stats leaned toward melee, so they weren’t ideal for Yerim. Still, S-rank is S-rank. I need to get her some SS-rank too.

While trying things on Yerim and matching stats, the plane reached Korea.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep