Leveling Up Alone

Han-Yeol completed all his dealings with the Black Orcs and the Bastrolings before leisurely returning to South Korea. His footsteps were light on the way back. He had vanquished Craspio and claimed the Atarinia Archipelago as his own land, and it seemed nothing could stop him now.

Unfortunately, life was not about to be as kind.

“Aigoo! My daughter, Soo-Yeon! My poor daughter!”

“My child… Bring my child back…!”

“Take me instead! Don’t take my innocent child! Please!”

“…”

Han-Yeol wore the black suit he had last worn during the Hunter Event for the funeral being held at Gwanghwamun Square. The weather was clear, yet he appeared downcast, as if he had been standing under the rain for days. It wasn't the rain that weighed heavily and drenched him, but rather, the sadness and tears of the bereaved loved ones.

Someone walked behind Han-Yeol and placed their hand on his shoulder. It was none other than his good friend, Sung-Jin.

“I’m sorry,” he apologized.

“Hmm? For what?” Han-Yeol asked in response, unable to understand why his friend was apologizing.

He tried to recall if Sung-Jin had done anything wrong, but he couldn't think of anything.

“You’re not related to them or anything, but you were forced to come because I knew one of them… As you can see, the atmosphere isn’t that good, so I’m sorry you had to come all this way because of me…”

“Are you being serious right now…?”

“Yeah.”

Han-Yeol grimaced at Sung-Jin’s reply and said, “I’m disappointed in you.”

“What?”

“Is this all I am to you?”

“What are you saying all of a sudden?”

"Isn't it only natural for me to be here when a friend's friend has passed away? Why apologize for my emotions, especially when you can see the collective grief among those mourning the departed?"

“T-That is…” Sung-Jin found himself unable to counter Han-Yeol's words. Thɪs chapter is updatᴇd by NovelEnglish.net

Unaware of when it began, he gradually realized he was treating Han-Yeol with a level of deference akin to a modern-day noble. This realization prompted his apology, which could be interpreted as, 'I apologize for bringing someone of your esteemed status to an ordinary setting,' irrespective of his original intentions.

“Sorry…”

“Don’t do that ever again. A friend of yours is a friend of mine.”

“Thanks, Han-Yeol.”

Han-Yeol tapped Sung-Jin’s shoulder to show he was not angry. He wanted to tell Sung-Jin not to be so rigid around him.

The funeral was a traditional one that lasted for three days, as it usually did. Han-Yeol stayed for the entire length of the funeral, just like the bereaved family members and loved ones did.

Someone famous paying their respects at a funeral was not usually something to be made an issue about, but the problem was that Han-Yeol was simply too famous. News of him paying his respects spread like wildfire, and the fact that he was not related to them was one of the things people paid attention to.

The reporters stayed for the entirety of the funeral as well, hoping to snap a few pictures of him, and the public’s interest in the deceased did not wane despite a long time passing. It was quite common for Hunters to die while out on hunts or raids, so the public sort of got used to news of them dying or going missing. However, Han-Yeol’s presence at the funeral kept the public’s interest in the funeral alive.

“…”

Han-Yeol stood frozen at the same spot, as if he were a stone statue. Witnessing the bereaved loved ones crying made him reflect on many things, and he needed time to organize his thoughts.

Despite the gratitude expressed by the deceased's loved ones, no one approached him, sensing his preoccupation.

Regardless of his motives for attending, Han-Yeol's mere presence sustained the general public's interest in the departed, promising to be of significant help in the future.

“Huh? Is that guy the one who temporarily replaced the president?”

“So he finally decided to come?”

“Ha! He probably felt pressured to come. That guy most likely didn’t have any plans of coming, but seeing all the attention Han-Yeol Hunter-nim was getting made him rush over here.”

“I guess you’re right. The president’s impeachment is going to be finalized any day now, so that guy is probably here to get on Han-Yeol Hunter-nim’s good side.”

The current administration faced record-low approval ratings, and Congress had approved the impeachment of the president. However, they still had a chance to recover before public sentiment turned completely against them. Therefore, they were making every effort to restore their reputation.

The impeached president’s lawyers fought ardently to overturn the impeachment, but public trust showed no signs of recovering. The acting president's countenance appeared grim as he stood in front of the altar honoring the deceased, placing a flower and bowing in respect. He then approached the bereaved family members, shaking their hands one by one, though sincerity in his actions remained uncertain.

“Hey! Take a picture! Hurry!”

“Alright!”

A group of cameras closely followed, capturing the scene live, but criticism ensued for what many perceived as political theatrics.

Meanwhile, Han-Yeol remained deep in thought at the same spot, occasionally casting glances at the high-ranking government officials arriving at the funeral. Although he observed them, it was evident that he held no interest in their presence.

“It indeed is a relief. He doesn’t have a reason to get involved anyway, but the press would be all over us if he decided to say a single word against us. If that happens… the people won’t stop at just commenting online.”

Han-Yeol’s influence in the country, proven by the president's impeachment, made the acting president cautious not to provoke him.

A group of Hunters entered, drawing attention from the reporters.

“Oh! It’s the official from the Hunters’ Association this time.”

“It’s about time they came. An entire raid party disappeared on a mission, so it doesn’t make sense for them not to come when they have the biggest responsibility when it comes to monsters. I guess they finally decided to crawl out from the hole they were hiding in and make an official statement.”

“Shh! Hey, be quiet. Don’t you know Hunters have better hearing than us ordinary people? They might leave you alone now, but who knows when they will abduct you and make you disappear!”

“Tsk!”

A reporter in his early forties reluctantly held his tongue, aware of the potential consequences. Though known as the outspoken "mad dog" of his news outlet, he hesitated when it came to challenging Hunters, who were rumored to retaliate strongly against perceived slights.

“Let’s get to work.”

“Hey, hurry up and take pictures!”

The reporters began capturing the scene.

“Hey, now that I think about it… It has been a while since high-ranking officials from the government and the associations have appeared together in public, right?”

“Yeah, but it’s still a mismatch as the association sent their third highest-ranking official while the acting president personally came to visit.”

“It still looks good. I guess this can be our headline for the week.”

The other reporters concurred. While Han-Yeol’s presence at the funeral remained the hottest topic, there was nothing headline-worthy about him, as he stood rooted in place without engaging in anything eye-catching. Meanwhile, despite a slight imbalance, the gathering of high-ranking officials from the two pillars of the country was a far more newsworthy development.

The reporters were incessantly prodded by their news outlets since the only pictures they had for the past two days were of Han-Yeol standing still. It was only on the third day that they finally managed to capture a few pictures worthy of making headlines.

The third highest-ranking official of the Hunters’ Association, Director Choi, approached the acting president and greeted him with a bright smile.

“Hahaha! I did not expect to see you here, Mr. Acting President.”

“Long time no see… Director Choi…”

He wanted to wipe that smile off the director’s face. Even though Director Choi was the one laughing and smiling, the acting president was shaking his hand at a funeral, making him vulnerable to public criticism.

Some might perceive him as overly sensitive, but this was a delicate time for the government. Their position was so precarious that they had to be cautious even about a leaf falling from a tree.[1]

The acting president barely managed to suppress the words he almost spat out. He knew nothing good would come from expressing such sentiments, considering the prevailing public opinion that both the government and the association were equally incompetent.

He wasn't a saint or a philanthropist, but he possessed common sense, understanding the need to contribute to society with the wealth he accumulated.

Han-Yeol's ability to raise his skill proficiency or rank through reading books turned him into a voracious reader, having explored over ten thousand books to date. Some of these books covered topics such as politics, economy, and society, providing valuable insights.

This was a recent contemplation for Han-Yeol.

Han-Yeol, initially uninterested in involving himself in the affairs of South Korea, preferred to focus on his own well-being. His belief centered on fulfilling his duty to society and taking care of those around him, thinking that no one could criticize him as long as he did so.

However, this mindset underwent a transformation after living as Harkan for twenty years in the Bastro Dimension. He significantly improved the lives of the Bastrolings as the Dimension Lord, and the satisfaction derived from that experience lingered within him.

This lingering doubt was the main reason for his hesitation.

“Hmm?”

It was then that someone suddenly placed their hand on Han-Yeol’s shoulder.

“T-That is…!”

“Isn’t that person?!”

The reporters were the first to react even before Han-Yeol managed to look back at the individual. Some people at the funeral looked shocked as they pointed fingers at them.

“Hey, hyung-nim!”

“Hello, Han-Yeol.”

“Hello, Han-Yeol-nim. Have you fared well?”

1. In Korea, there's a saying that emphasizes the need to be cautious about even the smallest details before any significant event. ☜