Chapter 103: Chapter 97- You will protect us
[5.36 PM]
[Association Conventional Hall]
The group of people holding microphones and cameras was undoubtedly from news channels and the publishing department, who had arrived at this conference to gain information regarding the S-rank gate; appeared in Japan.
While there were numerous countries under the threat of S-ranked gates as of now, it was Japan with the most massive gate at their front and also, the one country who sought Korea's support primarily.
Despite the uneven relationship between Japan and Korea, the Korean Hunter Association still decided to extend a helping hand to Japan and defend the country against the S-ranked gate, which was destined to break in two days.
"Mr. Go Gun-Hee, with the recent summoning of numerous S-ranked gates, isn't it preferable to have the strong hunters like Ms. Cha and Hunter Nanase stay within Korea and look out for any possible danger?"
The one who asked was a bespectacled woman in her thirties. She comes from a widely known news channel, that's why her confidence when she raised the query, was soaring high.
However, the man behind the lectern didn't falter while answering, "While it's true that the chances of Korea also facing an S-rank gate is high, I surely cannot restrict the hunters from fighting against a danger which absolutely could take millions of lives. After all, who would sit at home under the threat of uncertain danger, when a certain danger is lurking out there?"
The answer that arrived from the elderly man with a stern expression, left no question to be asked any further regarding the matter. The lady, who asked him the question, also quieted down.
"Then why only four of the S-rank hunters are going there, Mr. Chairman?" This time it was a young man holding the mic, as he asked.
The four hunters: Haruka Nanase, Cha Hae-In, Baek Yoon-Ho, and Min Byung-Gyu were appointed to assist Japan in these times of crisis.
Go Gun-Hee didn't take long before answering, "Of course, while Korea does want to help Japan, it doesn't mean we would let ourselves entirely unguarded."
The statement was both reassuring and signified Go Gun-Hee's tactical awareness. And the fact that Hunter Sung Jin-Woo was staying behind, didn't allow many accusations to be directed toward Gun-Hee.
The questions then mostly flowed regarding the excursion details and whether Japan was 'thankful' about this assistance enough to return the favor and all. Mostly political topics were regulated by the media.
Meanwhile, Haru accompanied by the three hunters previously stated, was sitting at the backside of the stage silently.
His mind was currently occupied with the upcoming raid that he had to handle.
'The other gates would be handled by the hunters...but won't it cause a lot of damage already?' While Haru could assure himself by saying that no one from Japan would die, who would fight alongside him and the citizens, who already were evacuating the premises...but he couldn't say the same things about others.
The other countries have strong hunters, he accepts, however, damage to human lives was inevitable.
'I have only three hundred or something slaves on my side...' Haru never found the leisure to go monster hunting and turn them into his slaves; leaving him with no option to back up other hunters.
'Should I ask for Sunbae's help in other countries?'
The thought was resting at the corner of his mind for a while but Haru was skeptical. Not only Jin-Woo was still recovering but he hadn't absorbed the shadow monarch's power as well.
'Forget it...I cannot save everyone...' With those thoughts, Haru stopped thinking about the matter, altogether.
He knew the prospectus for Jin-Woo to ask the Rulers to resurrect the world was high but if Haru played his cards in the right manner, he would not let such a thing happen.
****
"Hunter Nananse, are you not joining us for dinner?" Hearing Baek's call, Haru—who took out his phone just now—turned to look at him.
The conference ended just some hours ago and now, the Chairman invited the hunters to dinner at a famous restaurant nearby.
"Umm, just a moment. I need to make a call." Haru wasn't lying since rejecting the offer for dinner seemed rude and also, Jinah was currently in the hospital with her parents that's why he didn't think of disturbing her.
Baek Yoon-Ho nodded before he walked behind the others toward the restaurant.
Dialing a specific number, Haru turned away and began walking mindlessly as the phone rang twice before the other side picked up,
[Hello?]
"Ah, Riko. What's up? Where's mom and Kuroi?" Haru called Riko since she along with Kuroi were living with his parents back in Japan for the time being.
It was still undecided whether they would move out or his father would simply buy a villa this time since Yumiko had formed a very strong bond with Riko, and Kuroi had become Yumiko's best friend—with whom Yumiko could gossip all day long.
Haru remembered how one day his Dad seemed sulking on the call since Yumiko was now spending most of the time shopping with her new friend and all.
[Everything is fine. Yumi-san is with Reiji-san in their room and Kuroi is sleeping. Want me to wake her up?]
"Ah, no. It's not something important."
In response, Riko hummed before she began asking things related to Jinah and also when was he planning to visit his home back in Japan. From what she said, Yumiko always mentions him, an average of eight times daily. Even when she prepares some good food she says things like, 'Ah, my Haru would have loved eating this' or 'I wonder if he is eating properly...'.
Haru could only wryly smile upon hearing that. While he has promised his parents to visit them soon, with the plan of spending some days with them, he still couldn't fulfill that promise, with all this chaos going on.
After a while, when silence ensued on either end, Haru suddenly asked in a low tone,
"Hey, Riko...don't you blame me for bringing you to this dangerous world?" Haru casually asked, in the context of the recent S-rank gate appearance.
While their house was far away from the site and they would be moving out of Japan tonight as well, it was still a fact that she and many others were still in danger nevertheless.
However, the response Riko provided, instantly melted all his worries,
[I know you will protect us. After all, you are the strongest, no?]
Hearing her response, Haru halted mid-step. A moment later, he found himself chuckling.
'Can I bear to lose, now?'
****
A/N:- Drop a comment.
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