Thud!

I woke from sleep at the clamor echoing through the hotel. Flailing out of the unnecessarily wide bed and slipping on my slippers, I heard the announcement:

[There was a minor dispute among party attendees.]

It said the Hunters had fought but it ended without issue, so don’t ⊛ Nоvеlιght ⊛ (Read the full story) worry. It’s more surprising if nothing happens when you gather S-Ranks in one place. When we first went to the dungeon, we tried to brawl too. Noah fought Yerim the moment they met, and clashed with Yuhyun on sight as well.

“But my kids are nobles,” I yawned repeatedly, shuffling toward the bathroom.

If I forget to turn off the broadcast, it could be disastrous. After ten, it stays on until I turn it off—if I’m not careful, forbidden content will go live. Will it auto-block? I’ll definitely switch it off before sleeping. The thought of zoning out in the morning shower… ugh, terrifying.

After washing, I stared at myself in the mirror, pondering. Should I put on makeup? I’ve never done it myself, though last night Yerim helped me with a face mask.

‘My skin’s clear, but…’

Yuhyun and Yerim look fine without makeup, but I always do when I go on air… and from today it’s a personal stream competing with the others. I applied a little tinted sunscreen and held the lip balm Yerim gave me, staring at my lips for a moment. They say everyone these days, regardless of age or gender, chap their lips. It’s cold now, and it’s for lip health anyway.

[Protesters are gathering in front of the New York Hunter Association building.]

Leaving the bathroom and turning on the TV, people holding “Hunters Out!” placards appeared. They said it was a white-only party. The scene changed shortly after.

“Ugh.”

Footage of me and Chatterbox played—the video from when we rode together. Why do they keep playing that nonstop? It’s only been a few days… I switched channels to find an American drama that shouldn’t be on at this hour.

[Tomorrow’s finals, and the quarterback has Awakened!?]

A character screamed. On another channel they were teaching kids about dungeon breaks.

“Hello, scary monster! What do you like?”

“I like noisy children! I sniff out naughty kids best of all!”

I checked phone messages and emails. Nothing notable overnight. Hate when Hamin sends bronze-colored selfies. Thinking of blocking him.

The other S-Rank Hunters were free to roam, but under Chatterbox’s protection I had to follow the schedule. Breakfast is 7:00 to 9:00 AM, room service available. It’s better to glimpse the outside world than stay in my room, so I headed to the restaurant.

“Okay, I’m coming down now.”

I pressed the elevator button and texted my brother. The doors opened a moment later.

“Hello, my love.”

…Why is there no close-door button outside? Since there are multiple elevators, I ignored him and waited for another car. Hwangrim stuck his foot in the door to stop it closing. Why bother with a perfectly good button?

“The S in SF is SE—”

“Do you really want to die? You think I came here alone? And elevators are public. Unless the hotel’s all booked for you, move your foot.”

“So you want me over here.”

“I want you gone.”

Hwangrim slipped out and stood before me, dressed neatly in a suit. If not for his usual lewd banter, I might not have recognized him—he looked completely different.

“Why are you popping up here?”

“Sorry, mad at me for not answering your calls? Nice lips—what did you put on?”

Instead of answering, I pressed the other elevator button. Or tried to. Just before my finger hit it, Hwangrim snatched my wrist and spun me toward him. A guard!

“A pervert has intruded here!”

“That hurts my feelings.”

“Get lost before I throw you into the Hudson half-grilled and half-frozen. Why the hell are you here?”

“I’m working part-time.”

“Business failed, huh? Congrats. Serving? Cleaning?”

“Bodyguard for the hottest F-Rank these days.”

Hwangrim winked with one eye. What did he just call me…?

“They were recruiting on Chatterbox’s channel.”

“…”

“Just kidding.”

A disgusting, creepy joke. I’d rather jump in the river than spend twenty-four hours with this brat. Hwangrim let go of my wrist and took out a business card.

“This is one of our clients. I have a place nearby—want to visit?”

“Forget it, puppeteer.”

I lowered my voice. I didn’t want to see his face, but since he showed up, I needed to confirm.

“They still can’t meddle much, it seems. Don’t look so disgusted—I’ll be gone soon. Here, this.”

He handed me a new card. Said it goes into my inventory too.

“What is it?”

“A gathering of big spenders who bet on you.”

“What?”

“You know bets never miss these parties. I was busy setting up the tables.”

“Hey, you son of a—”

“The odds are insane and heavy money’s on the line. So, Shaojin, I’m on your side.”

He leaned in and whispered:

“There’s nothing more reliable than an ally with money on the line.”

Capitalist world, after all. I stared at the blank card except for the phone number.

“They can’t control dungeon matters, but they’ll leverage outside.”

“And if that fails?”

“Then you won’t need to worry about it anymore, right?”

Hwangrim’s eyes curved in a thin smile. …Just how much does he know? Uneasy, I pocketed the card anyway.

“If I get allies, I’ll get enemies too. Money bets make people scary.”

“I’m fine. It’s within what I can handle. By the way, the Hunter with the highest win rate is Mr. Zeus.”

I’d expected that, but still felt a bit stung.

“Zeus… That’s not my brother… Fire-whatever, is it…?”

I asked, heart pounding. Americans, be gentle with Yuhyun!

“There’s already a U.S. Hunter using that name—Fireman, Fire Sword, Flame Wing, Salamander, etc. Many A- and B-Ranks have nicknames too. And Haeyeon Guild’s leader still has low overseas recognition.”

Thanks to the S-Rank duel stream, Yerim’s become even more famous. Yuhyun’s defeated many S-Ranks, but never broadcast his fights. Seong Hyunjae heard U.S. Hunters call him that, too. …Not for skill attribute, but for a playboy image—they call him Zeus.

“Anyway, if you’re helping…”

There were definitely areas I could use help. I’d planned to ask Hwangrim later.

“Info on Hunters attending the party. As much as possible.”

“I knew you’d ask.”

Hwangrim grinned and pressed a USB drive into my hand.

“The most accurate, detailed info in the world, dear.”

“Really?”

“Not just for gambling—some want to humble S-Rank Hunters. So only you should see it.”

His words felt slimy. Surely not OPEC types, right? I’d heard they’re ruthless.

“I don’t intend to harm the Hunter world…”

“But the party itself does. It’s already a riot. If an American S-Rank wins, it’s over—treated as a hero, S-Rank Hunters’ status will skyrocket worldwide. But if an Eastern, Korean F-Rank beats S-Ranks, even if it doesn’t topple the scene, it’ll jolt things.”

He might have reason to help me.

“You’re deeply entangled.”

“That’s how the world works. Oh—watch out!”

Hwangrim recoiled as the elevator doors opened. At the same moment—

Crash!

A black snake-like thing slashed across the floor where Hwangrim had stood. Then Kaboom! A deafening roar shook loose a hole in the hotel wall. Hwangrim, stepping aside, wiped blood from his neck onto his hand. Yuhyun emerged from the elevator, a cold expression as he sheathed the Conqueror’s Sword. Peace blocked my path and Yerim rushed forward to check on me.

—Grrr.

“Are you okay, uncle?”

“Uh, yeah.”

“Jini’s brother is terrifying as always. Oh, your neck’s bleeding.”

With that, Hwangrim hurled himself through the gaping wall. I quickly held back Yuhyun.

“He came to give me information!”

“He didn’t harm you at all,” Yuhyun sighed.

“You’re too lenient with him.”

“But really, that creature wasn’t exactly an enemy—at least not yet. And he didn’t destroy the elevator, so he’s restrained.”

“If he scented danger, he might’ve whisked you away.”

“Chatterbox’s responsible if anything happens to me, so don’t worry. Cheer up, okay?”

We headed for breakfast; I pressed the elevator button.

The dining room was quiet. I couldn’t leave the hotel, but other Hunters could—they didn’t have to eat here. If I could move freely, I’d think like a New Yorker… What to eat for breakfast? Something local. Only coffee and newspapers came to mind.

“What about Director Song?”

“She’s tired and will have room service. She asked to be contacted if I go outside.”

Yerim wore a serious look, saying our meeting ran late last night. Director Song must have had a tough time. Since they had Korean dishes, I ordered that and checked the time—just past eight. Two hours until ten.

“Does it start right at ten?”

While eating a surprisingly decent meal, a Hunter with a magazine approached. My photo was on the cover again.

“S-Rank poison orb—”

[A reminder: breakfast ends at 9:00 AM.]

Suddenly a message popped up.

[All party guests must move to Governors Island by 10:00 AM.]

“Governors Island?”

“It’s a small island south of Manhattan. It used to be a tourist spot but now is used to lure monsters when a dungeon breaks.”

A likely American Hunter kindly explained. If monsters spilled into the city, they’d guide them to remote areas. Big cities designate at least one monster lure site in advance. An island location means S-Ranks can cause some trouble without disaster.

So this time the dungeon isn’t on the island? The message must’ve come via the bracelet.

[A notice to first place.]

At that moment, a message appeared only for me:

[A reward awaits the participant who captures first place fastest and reaches Governors Island. This message is sent to all participants at 9:00 AM.]

…What?

[If first place isn’t captured and reaches Governors Island safely, the reward goes to first place.]

I stood. Damn Chatterbox.

“Hyung?”

“I’ll use the restroom. Since it’s until 10:00, I’d better depart immediately.”

About ten minutes until nine. I headed calmly to the restroom. Yuhyun or Yerim could get the reward, but I didn’t want to look so easy.

‘Other Hunters won’t just stand by.’

They’d mess things up, and the city would be ruined. Whatever Chatterbox’s plan, they wouldn’t want S-Ranks rampaging downtown. In the restroom I changed clothes.

‘Invisibility alone is too risky.’

Even with the jacket buff, I couldn’t fully fool S-Ranks—especially Seong Hyunjae. He definitely wouldn’t go easy on me. He might even enjoy revealing my location and causing chaos.

So:

[White-Tail Delouses (A)]

I equipped all items and used the skill.

“Oh? A cat.”

Yerim, emerging from the restaurant, murmured at a cat trotting down the corridor—a feline with a white-tipped tail.

“You’re late, uncle. How long to that island? We have an hour—let’s explore together before going.”

Just then, a message popped up before Yerim, Yuhyun, and Peace:

[A reward awaits the participant who captures first place fastest and reaches Governors Island.]

First place, reward. Yuhyun dashed for the restroom and Yerim shouted,

“Uncle! I can’t get in!”

As Yerim stamped her foot, Yuhyun emerged outside.

“He’s gone.”

“What? Did someone kidnap him in the meantime?”

“No way—Peace is—”

Peace was gone too.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep