Chapter 73 – Bothersome (2)

===================

Translated by Heavenly Cat

Read it only at Novelbyu.com & Utoon.net

===================

As if I had activated a detector.

The senses of my physical body operated sharply.

“……!”

The presence of a demon being felt.

The moment [Natural Enemy] was activated.

The bastard’s location drawn in my head.

A demon had set foot in Frost.

It’s something I feel anew but.

Anyway, commendable. Lee Ho-yeol.

‘If this isn’t a remarkable development, what is. Really.’

Suddenly, the first meeting with a demon came to mind.

I was someone who couldn’t even immediately recognize the imp that possessed Nam Chul-min.

Comparing then and now, it was to the point of wondering if this is the same Demon Hunter.

‘The thing that had the biggest influence must be the level, right.’

Right, because back then I was merely level 55.

Currently, I’m level 295.

Because my level has risen by a whopping 240 levels.

Moreover, I am someone who improved and took care of even the strength and agility stats through the class quest. Still, this is rewarding. Doing gymnastics on a moonlit night was rewarding.

“It doesn’t know its place.”

In that sense, I wondered what this bastard was doing.

In Frost……. No, it’s not just Frost.

Relationship degree and influence at their maximum values.

In the Frost where I activated the [Authority] function.

Not a peddler, but how dare a demon set foot heeeeeere?!

Who is a demon?

To Granfel, an existence that ruins the aesthetics even more than a helicopter banner.

“Therefore it is fitting for an inferior breed.”

It meant that its punishment was not enough with just burning it like the banner.

I immediately manifested a portal.

Portal, a high-ranking skill that even Ranker Players find burdensome to use.

Naturally, I didn’t have such a high-class skill.

Then if you ask how I manifested a portal.

What, pointing out the obvious.

I’m saying it’s magic strictly different from a skill.

‘The demon’s location is.’

The place where the presence was felt.

That coordinate is in front of Frost’s main gate.

The distance isn’t far either, and [Natural Enemy] is also active.

I manifested the portal with great momentum but.

‘……It’s a mana-eating hippo. This?’

My mana flew away noticeably.

I realize it anew.

‘How do they maintain a portal like this?’

Not to mention the Mage Tower.

The dwarves being compared to such a Mage Tower are truly no joke.

However, I never show this fuss outwardly.

Step.

“……Wh-What is this?!”

A personality that does not easily get swayed by joy or sorrow.

Moreover, in the current situation with a demon in front of me even more so.

A portal that opened in the midair.

Me, who revealed my appearance from within it.

A middle-aged man who was agitated by that sight could be seen.

“Excuse me. I-I don’t know what misunderstanding there is but. Right! I am this kind of person. Maeda Kenji. Who has steadily immersed myself in the political world for over ten years…….”

No, that’s merely his outward appearance.

Naturally.

I, who would play along with such an excuse, am not Granfel.

Haven’t I said it many times.

A rule is to not mix words with prey.

Flowing silence

The bastard was speaking almost as if begging now.

“……Right! I have made a huge mistake. The protesters, of course, but it was also my fault for launching the helicopter. I will never set foot near Frost again!”

Immersed himself in the political world.

I did guess from those words but.

As expected, it was exactly this bastard’s doing.

‘It’s worse than expected.’

It was something I felt during Baek I-seol’s time too but.

Demons were becoming more and more cunning as time went by.

The succubus who possessed Baek I-seol.

Just as the succubus actively utilized Baek I-seol’s position as the Master of the Myth Guild and a second-generation chaebol. This bastard was the same.

In that sense, is it a relief?

‘That the sense to feel the presence of a demon has developed.’

Because the more cunningly demons hide in.

The more my sharp senses will see the light, you see.

While thinking.

Suddenly, the conversation of the Players was heard.

“Wow shit, it’s Ho-yeol-nim!”

“……But what’s the situation?”

“Dunno. Seems like the Japanese politician is apologizing? Saying sorry for just protesting and for even launching a helicopter. He just bowed his head right now.”

“For real? It was noisy anyway so it was distracting.”

……But, wait a minute. That’s all good but.

What, Ho-yeol-nim? Sir isn’t enough so now it’s niiiiim?

What in the world is that deeply burdensome title again.

Of course, contrary to my feelings.

However, that title is also appropriate.

Because my physical body ended up accepting it nonchalantly as always.

‘Right, it’s not like I don’t understand.’

Because those Players were production classes.

From the reconstruction of the Yusra Kingdom to Frost’s restoration. Because I unintentionally achieved job creation for production classes. Of course, it wasn’t intended though.

“Why did he do that when he was going to apologize like that?”

“Because Ho-yeol-nim came, he tucked his tail right away.”

“Serves him right. It was a disturbance anyway.”

The pouring gazes.

Because there were many eyes watching.

Was it relieved or something.

I could see the demon feeling relieved.

‘That’s a delusion that’s not even funny. That.’

I might not know, but Granfel does not hold back.

Without caring about watching eyes or anything.

He would have burned up the demon that possessed that man.

However.

“Ouch! It hit my face!”

“Exactly. I told you not to mess with your sister!”

“Eesh. From now on, I won’t go easy on you for being my sister!”

Pride was telling me.

The residents of Frost who are trying to rise up overcoming their wounds.

Burning a demon in front of them as if showing off?

Exposing their healing wounds again?

It said that kind of thing is merely stubbornness, not pride.

Snowballs flying back and forth.

I turned my head away from the children engrossed in the snowball fight.

And spoke to the bastard.

“Say it again.”

“If you say again? Ah, I apologize! Let alone the protesters…….”

“No, I said again.”

“Yes? Yep, I will apologize again…….”

“Again.”

“?”

I continued my words coldly.

“Look straight at the target you’re apologizing to.”

The ones to receive the demon’s apology.

Are the residents of Frost, not me.

The bastard who realized my meaning went ‘ah’ and lowered its head.

“I am sorry. Kids.”

The siblings flinched at the same time.

Soon, the sister hid her younger brother behind her back.

I manifested magic while looking at that sight.

Right, an apology is an apology and a demon must be hunted.

Just how many spells can I manifest.

A demon like that, it’s more than enough to hunt it quietly.

Why, like during the succubus time.

Even so, are you saying you’ll help me.

“Go away!!”

Swish

The younger brother’s side threw a snowball at the man’s face.

Smack

A strike right in the middle of his face.

Magic manifesting simultaneously with it.

[You have leveled up.]

Somehow the timing matched perfectly, didn’t it?

*

Maeda Kenji.

“Umm.”

It was in a hospital bedroom that he regained consciousness.

As soon as Maeda opened his eyes, the men who were by his side opened their mouths.

“Maeda-san, are you conscious?”

“I feel like I’ve slept for a very long time.”

“……What!”

“?”

The ones making subtle expressions at Maeda’s words.

Maeda was puzzled.

Because literally, it really felt like he woke up after sleeping for a long time.

If he had to use a metaphor. Right, the feeling of waking up after being asleep deep in his subconscious.

Maeda chuckled.

“To think I was working even in such a deep dream. Goodness.”

Afterimages of the dream came to mind fragmentarily.

Being together with the protesters at the scene.

Even launching a helicopter.

Doing interviews with reporters.

……And at the end, he felt like he had met someone high up?

At such words from Maeda, the men couldn’t hide their bewilderment.

‘Has he really gone crazy?’

After being nervous for a moment.

Maeda frowned and spoke.

“Turn on the TV.”

“……Yes?”

“Are you going to explain from one to ten. What happened while I was asleep? All of you. Don’t be conceited just because you’re Players and open your eyes and ears. Only by watching the news at least can you know how the world is rolling.”

Maeda grabbed the remote control nervously.

“If you want to work with me, keep that fact in mind.”

Right, all the men were Players.

To be exact, should he say the government’s dogs who will replace Inazuma.

Maeda clicked his tongue ‘tsk’.

‘How am I supposed to boss them around when they can’t understand a single word.’

Compared to Inazuma, their level had dropped substantially.

However, that was Maeda’s misconception.

The men didn’t fail to understand but pretended not to.

For none other than Maeda.

Beep

Soon, the anchor’s voice flowing out from the TV.

-This is a footage obtained from the internet.

Frost appearing on the screen.

A middle-aged man bowing his waist humiliatingly.

Maeda clicked his tongue ‘tsk tsk’ stronger than before.

“I don’t know who he is but for a man to bow down like that……?!”

Then he ended up realizing it.

Maeda’s eyes widened.

Wasn’t that him?

“Wh-What in the world is that?”

“Please calm down. You must take absolute rest.”

“I’m asking what happened!!”

Don’t tell me it wasn’t a dream?

The protesters, the helicopter, and even the person high up.

That was all reality?

No, no matter how he thinks about it, that’s a strange matter.

Because there’s no way his memory could be this blurry.

While agonizing over it.

Subtitles continuously popped up.

-Maeda Kenji. The ultimate humiliation of Japan’s political world!

“M-Me. This body is the humiliation of the political world?”

Beep

Right, that broadcasting station was originally biased.

He knew it since they praised the Korean Wave.

The angry Maeda flipped the channel.

On another channel, there definitely should be a proper…….

“!”

Footage that popped up with good timing.

Smack

There was himself getting hit directly by a snowball.

To be precise, it would be a kid the age of his grandson.

Himself passing out after getting hit by a snowball thrown by a boy!

Maeda who lost his words.

The men who couldn’t bear to watch opened their mouths.

“There’s nothing wrong with your brain, but amnesia is suspected…….”

“So you must take absolute rest.”

“Maeda-san, even if you keep watching, there won’t be a single good story……!”

Beep

Beep, beep

It was true.

No matter how much he flipped the channel, what came out was his own humiliation and ugly behavior.

Or just praises regarding Lee Ho-yeol.

-The scene of receiving an apology on behalf of the residents of Frost was truly not a scene easily seen. Our Japanese politicians should perhaps take after Player Lee Ho-yeol’s attitude…….

“Uwaaaaaaaack!!”

Maeda screamed bizarrely.

Was it really amnesia?

His thinking couldn’t keep up.

The screaming Maeda’s eyes gleamed.

“So what were you guys doing while I was acting disgracefully?”

“We were on standby as you ordered…….”

“Standby? Was it really your mission to standby until my social death! Do you think I brought worthless bastards like you for this?! Think actively!!”

Unnecessary sparks were flying.

His shameful behavior flickering before his eyes.

Maeda couldn’t easily calm his anger.

“Foolish bastards! I was the idiot for trying to raise you!”

So he didn’t notice.

Slide

“You should be quiet in the hospital. That’s etiquette and formality.”

“……?”

“Don’t move. It won’t even take a few seconds to make skewers out of you guys.”

“Hisagi! Wh-What brings you here……?”

Hisagi Kazuma.

Even the moment he opened the hospital room’s door and came in.

Hisagi flicked his tongue like a snake.

“Are you asking because you don’t know? You know.”

The Maeda side’s Players, who were on standby in the hospital room, were a total of six.

Compared to that, Hisagi was alone.

Even so, the six Players couldn’t even budge.

‘……Incredible intimidation!’

Is this the killing intent emitted by a venomous snake.

Because they were experiencing that Hisagi’s words weren’t a bluff.

Thump

Hisagi sat down next to Maeda’s bed.

“I came because they asked. The higher-ups. Ah, I’ll drop the honorifics from now on. You know it too, right? That I cut ties with the government.”

“……Do as you please.”

“Anyway, are you crazy?”

“Wh-What does that mean?”

“They said you acted alone, this time.”

At that moment, Hisagi’s soaring killing intent.

Hisagi continued his words.

“I definitely said it though. If you don’t wanna die by my hands, don’t mess with Frost and Lee Ho-yeol’s side. You must have known it too.”

“I also don’t know what happened with this matter. My memory is……!!”

“Ah, you can’t remember? That’s quite a convenient excuse.”

A light line.

However, there was not a hint of a smile on Hisagi’s face.

“Drop the words that only work on bribed judges. Because I heard it from the doctor. In this head. They say there are no abnormal findings in the picture. So why can’t you remember?”

“I-It’s true. I can’t remember. Please believe me!”

“Well. I am actively thinking about it, as per your advice.”

“……!”

The frozen Players flinched for a moment.

Hisagi continued his words.

“But as expected, it won’t work.”

“Ughhhh. I’m frustrated too. I really can’t remember……! No, even if I don’t remember, I will apologize. I will go to Frost again and apologize……!”

“That’s not it. This time it’s not the target but it was wrong from the start.”

Hisagi kindly explained it.

“You should just stay quietly in the corner and never show up. That’s an aggressor’s reflection, Maeda. Because just not being seen is the greatest apology.”

“I will do so! So please, spare my life at least……!”

“Well. Try thinking actively once again.”

“Ugh!”

Maeda wailing.

This much should be enough.

Hisagi stood up from his seat.

Gulp

He whispered to the Players swallowing dry saliva.

“It would be better if you stop holding onto a broken line.”

“……!”

“Because you correctly got on my bad side. It means it’s over.”

Hisagi added.

“If I had to give one advice as a senior, the line breaks the more you hang onto it.”

“……We’ll keep that in mind.”

“Good.”

Hisagi said lastly.

“Since I will keep thinking actively, it would be better if you don’t catch my eye, Maeda. Because I’m not as merciful as Lee Ho-yeol-ssi. In that sense, be grateful to Ho-yeol-ssi.”

Maeda, paralyzed by fear, couldn’t even answer properly.

He’d probably live his future life engulfed in the fear that Hisagi is always watching him.

Naturally, he wouldn’t be able to do anything foolish.

Slide

The hospital room Hisagi left.

Only then the men whose tension was released let out sighs.

‘That is exactly Hisagi Kazuma.’

Is this the intimidation of a top-tier Ranker.

Really, it was beyond imagination.

Hence, they had no choice but to feel faint.

‘Even more than that Hisagi-san…….’

Of course, the active performances he had shown so far.

Even to his expression of respect revealed in Hisagi’s mention.

The Players barely swallowed their dry saliva.

Gulp

……Just how strong is Lee Ho-yeol exactly?

*

I checked the status window.

[Name : Granfel Claudi Arpheus Romeo]

[Class : Demon Hunter]

[Level: 296]

[Stats]

Strength : 45 / Agility : 46 / Mana : 243 / Luck : 5 / Aesthetic : Low

[Available Points : 1]

To think it’s merely level 296.

It’s an embarrassingly meager level that makes one wonder if I even grew.

However, since I am quite good at knowing my place.

“Hoo.”

I have no choice but to be sincere about training my weak physical body like this.

And my class quest.

Still, it’s less lonely because there’s one piece of good news today.

I wiped off my sweat and checked the message.