GM Ch77

“Wow…”

It seemed that the camera was where Soohyuk had pointed. Thanks to all six of South Korea’s S-class hunters attending the opening ceremony, not only the major networks but even cable channels came to film. So, seeing the camera where Soohyuk had indicated didn’t raise any suspicions.

Little did he know that the cameras were focusing on Soohyuk instead of the event stage. And to think they bundled him into the footage as a set.

Even amidst the absurdity, he noticed that the video had garnered hundreds of comments. Considering it had only been uploaded an hour ago, that was an enormous number. Lacking the courage to check the comments, Minjun turned off his phone.

He finally understood Soohyuk’s intention when he had told him to look over there, saying there were many ways to become famous.

“He’s a real nutcase.”

Minjun clicked his tongue lightly. In truth, he wasn’t too worried. Even if he appeared on TV riding Soohyuk’s popularity, it would be forgotten soon enough.

The problem would arise after he regained his grade. Once he became S-class, people wouldn’t leave him alone.

“Keeping a mysterious image would be best.”

To naturally disappear or go into seclusion while being active as an S-classsss, it was best to reveal as little of his private life as possible. With a mysterious concept, people would just assume it was normal if he went silent for a long time.

While he was forming a plan, his phone vibrated in his hand.

[Yoon Soohyuk: How do you feel about it? ( ˃ᴗ˂ )]

There wasn’t much to say about his feelings. So Minjun replied honestly.

[Kim Minjun: It’s cringeworthy]

[Yoon Soohyuk: Just for this?]

[Yoon Soohyuk: Enjoy it]

[Yoon Soohyuk: They say those who enjoy are the masters]

[Kim Minjun: I’ll do my best to enjoy it]

Minjun sent a reply that would please his boss and chuckled. Even if he couldn’t fully enjoy it as Soohyuk suggested, he could at least laugh it off.

“Let’s go grab some food.”

Having shaken off his worries, Minjun put on his shoes and stepped out the door. Sushi awaited him.

***

After finishing the call with Minjun, Yoon Soohyuk stared at his phone for a while.

Thoughts swirled in his mind, coming and going. Since Park Hanyoung had given Minjun a ride to the dorm, it was possible they talked about having dinner on the way. But the thought of the two sitting across from each other, laughing and chatting, made something hot rise within him.

“This is…”

It took only a moment to realize that this unfamiliar and strange sensation was jealousy. He let out a hollow laugh, realizing that liking someone could lead to jealousy. But regardless, he didn’t like the idea of Minjun having dinner alone with Park Hanyoung. He felt an urge to rush over and take Minjun away.

Soohyuk clicked his tongue inwardly. His conscience was weak, but his reason was functioning properly. His impulse was childish. More than anything, if he rushed over like this, Minjun would surely look at him with cold eyes.

At times like this, he needed to be generous. It was good for Minjun, who wanted an early retirement, to get along with Team 1 hunters. Human relationships couldn’t be cut off coldly with a knife. Especially since Minjun was the type who couldn’t easily leave once he got attached.

“Yoon June, guild leader. What are you doing?”

Taking a deep breath to calm himself, Lee Hana appeared.

Dinners with the S-class hunters often turned into drinking sessions, and today was no exception. A lavish Korean meal was laid out, and drinks were passed around.

Then, they watched a YouTube video sent by Jung Seongwon. Jung Seongwon had messaged Minjun, nagging him about what he had done to make the news. As soon as he saw the thumbnail, he excused himself and stepped outside the building to call Minjun with a sense of amusement.

“Everyone’s wondering where our leader Yoon June has gone.”

“Do you have something to say?”

“You’re quick on the uptake. What does hunter Kim Minjun need? You said his weapon was the legendary spear you used before, right? No need to upgrade that. He must need defensive gear. Give me a hint.”

At Lee Hana’s bold request, Soohyuk laughed. Among the uniquely talented S-rank hunters, Lee Hana was the quickest thinker. She was the first to notice that Choi Euiseong had received information from hunter Kim Minjun.

“Fire-resistant, heat-resistant items.”

Soohyuk spoke honestly. It was easier to be straightforward about such things.

“Oh dear, that’s the hardest to find. You’re saying it needs to be legendary grade, right?”

“Of course.”

“Is there any defensive gear at the upcoming auction?”

“There isn’t.”

Soohyuk was well aware of the items listed for the upcoming hunter market auction. Unfortunately, there were no fire-resistant or heat-resistant items.

“Figures. If there were, you wouldn’t be acting like this. Got it. I’ll see what I can do. Oh, by the way, you deliberately left the Ace Guild Leader hanging earlier, didn’t you?”

“Yes.”

Soohyuk didn’t bother denying that he had fallen out with Joo Myunghwan. He had openly kept his distance at the event to make it clear they weren’t on friendly terms.

“Do you need any Ace Guild bonds?”

“Are there any?”

“Not me, but someone I know has some. It’s quite a large chunk, and seeing how things are going, they want to sell it off quickly. So, I thought of you, Yoon June guild leader.”

Guilds, the collective of hunters, existed in various forms. From simple hobbyist guilds to those listed on the stock exchange. The Ace Guild, which had focused on expanding its size from the start, was listed on the stock exchange three years ago.

Soohyuk was preparing to pressure the Ace Guild through stocks. Adding bonds to the mix would be the icing on the cake.

“Thank you, Lee Hengwoon guild leader.”

“Don’t mention it. Oh, if you’re grateful, keep quiet about the defensive items. I gave you a good tip.”

“Understood.”

The alliance among S-class hunters was rather loose. They came together for the greater good but were also competitors. Having received something valuable, a small gesture of gratitude was necessary.

As Soohyuk moved with Lee Hana back into the building, he suppressed the urge to rush to the Japanese restaurant where Minjun and Park Hanyoung were having dinner. Instead, he sent Minjun a message.

[Yoon Soohyuk: How do you feel about it? ( ˃ᴗ˂ )]

Soohyuk thought emojis were a brilliant invention. They breathed life into otherwise stiff messages.

As he waited for a reply, the corners of Soohyuk’s lips curled up.

That day, videos of the Kim Minjun Memorial Hall opening ceremony were everywhere. It was a rare occasion for S-class hunters to gather in one place, and the three major broadcasting networks didn’t miss the chance to feature it on their evening news. MBS even released behind-the-scenes footage of the S-class hunters on YouTube.

The winners of the event’s prizes posted photos of their winnings, causing a stir on various online community boards. Posts speculating about the prize values spread everywhere, with many giving up on calculating the costs.

Soohyuk’s eulogy also garnered significant attention. People were amazed by his connection with hunter Kim Minjun. Some even shared stories of how they, too, owed their lives to hunter Kim Minjun.

With the event’s successful conclusion, many were happy. Among them was the head of public relations for the June Guild.

The Kim Minjun Memorial Hall opening ceremony had a separate organizer. They had entrusted the entire event to a professional company.

Still, Yoon Soohyuk, the guild leader of the June Guild, held a position in the Kim Minjun Memorial Foundation, so there were many things he had to oversee. Especially since Soohyuk had donated a considerable number of items and magical tools as prizes and delivered the final eulogy, he was quite busy.

The head of public relations was satisfied that Soohyuk hadn’t caused any incidents in public. That evening, after confirming Soohyuk’s eulogy scene on the 6 o’clock news, the head of public relations left work with a smile.

In contrast to the light-hearted head of public relations, there were a few people who watched the event with dissatisfaction.

The first was Jo Daehan, the guild leader of the Star Guild.

He had tried hard to recruit Minjun into the Star Guild but was furious after being rejected yet again. Even on his way back from the event, he kept repeating the same words to the vice guild leader.

“Guys like him need to suffer to come to their senses. Tsk tsk.”

He couldn’t understand why Minjun preferred to hunt monsters in dangerous dungeons rather than earn easy money in front of the camera. He kept clicking his tongue, saying Minjun was still young and needed to experience hardship to wake up.

Jo Daehan prided himself on his ability to spot potential stars. Success wasn’t just about being handsome. There was a certain charisma that shone on camera. In that sense, Minjun, with his stunning looks that stood out even in a hastily taken ID photo at the Hunter Awakening Center, was more than qualified to be a superstar.

So when the video of Minjun’s memorial hall opening ceremony gained popularity on the news, Jo Daehan was frustrated. He lamented that his instincts were right, wondering why Minjun couldn’t see his potential.

“It’s such a waste, I can’t give up.”

Jo Daehan couldn’t shake off his regret, seeing Minjun as the big fish that got away.

The second was Park Gyuyoung from the National Security Agency.

After being reprimanded by his superior for threatening Minjun, Park Gyuyoung was transferred to a department where he wouldn’t have to face hunters directly. While leisurely browsing the internet, he came across reviews and videos of the Kim Minjun Memorial Hall opening ceremony.

“These bastards.”