Chapter 69

 

‘Loot’ is an item that can only be obtained by the person who contributed the most to killing the monster. It doesn’t get added to the inventory separately, so there are hunters who solely collect loot, and there are even world competitions related to it. Although it’s an item that cannot be transferred to others and has no practical use, it serves as undeniable evidence of killing a monster. Therefore, many places judge hunters based on their loot.

 

After restricting loot to A-grade or higher, only ten people managed to pass through the fence compared to the countless crowds gathered in front of the workshop.

 

As I ascended, Ahn Song-ah and Baek Dae-in, who arrived first, were waiting.

 

“Ho-hyun ssi, you’re here? I made the interviewees wait in separate rooms, two at a time.”

 

“Thank you, noona. It was crowded.”

 

“It was chaotic. There were hardly any serious people; they were all just bringing up issues… By the way, we told them that filming isn’t allowed inside the building from the outside. It seems like the elf’s neck is blocking it. You can worry a little less about that.”

 

“Really? The elf’s neck…”

 

After hearing Seong San-ha’s grumbling about Elves just now, I looked out the window with unease. Despite the door being firmly closed, many people who couldn’t let go of their regrets were wandering around the building.

 

“Did you see anyone suitable?”

 

“Well, I wasn’t planning to say anything yet, but it’s best for Ho-hyun to see and judge for himself. Everyone seems to be at least B-grade… Although there was one person who brought loot from a Lyker.”

 

“Really? They’re hired. Let’s sign a contract with that person.”

 

My words left Yeon Seung-yeon and the others speechless with puzzled expressions. Baek Dae-in, who was the first to regain her composure, asked with concern.

 

“Are you okay with signing a contract without even seeing who it is?”

 

“Yeah, I need the Lyker’s Fang. I mentioned in the recruitment post that I prefer it, so I should stick to that.”

 

“Ho-hyun ssi, really! Well, at least the rumors aren’t too bad…”

 

“I understand, Ho-hyun ssi.”

 

One person was practically pre-approved, but we decided to meet them first, and out of the remaining nine, we would choose one for the interview. While Baek Dae-in volunteered to guide the first interviewee, Ahn Song-ah, who was sitting next to me wearing glasses, paused. His gaze was fixed on my left hand.

 

“Did the Guild Master go?”

 

“Yeah. How did you know?”

 

“The ring you frequently use. But is it okay to wear it there?”

 

As I lowered my gaze in response to An Song-ah’s question, the ring on my left ring finger came into view. I casually replied as I moved my fingers around.

 

“It just doesn’t go beyond here for some reason. It wouldn’t go through the second joint on other fingers. Can’t help it.”

 

“Haha… Guild Master, really…”

 

“Why?”

 

The conversation between An Song-ah and me was interrupted by the first interviewee entering the room.

 

“Hello.”

 

“Yes, come in.”

 

***

 

The mercenary interviews began, and one by one, they entered the room. But strangely, not a single one of them seemed satisfactory.

 

“How much is the salary?”

 

“It will be determined after discussing the tasks. However, it will be above the industry average…”

 

“Hahaha! What’s the point even if it’s just the average salary of a Grade 6 workshop? I’m only here out of curiosity why a Grade 6 workshop is looking for a senior hunter. If you want to hire me, you should pay at least 80% of my earnings. Are you confident?”

 

“Uh, well…”

 

Originally, Ahn Song-ah and Yeon Seung-yeon were supposed to ask questions, and I was supposed to observe from behind, but unable to bear it anymore, I intervened.

 

“You, get out.”

 

“Surely you’re not talking to me right now, are you…?”

 

“Who else would it be? Get out.”

 

The freaking nerve.

 

“Hmm, I’d like to taste the potions first before signing the contract.”

 

“Huh, yes? This is an interview, not a contract negotiation…”

 

“Well, isn’t my willingness to sign the contract the most important thing now? Honestly, it’s hard to find a mercenary like me for a Grade 6 workshop. Sigh, it’s a bit uncomfortable to be treated like this during an interview.”

 

“We don’t just select based on grade.”

 

“Alright, on the contrary, I’d like to ask a question. What’s the grade of the potion maker, the owner of the Grade 6 workshop?”

 

“Such rudeness…”

 

“Get out.”

 

“What? Did you just tell me to leave? Who do you think you are…”

 

“I’m the boss here.”

 

And here comes the potion beggar,

 

“If I were to talk about this loot, I’d have to start from my solo expedition in Mongolia back in the day. The sky was dark, and the stars were pouring…”

 

“Before I introduce myself, I’d like to say a few things first. If I agree to an interview with Haunted Magazine, I propose five million won, and if Central News makes queries, I propose three million won…”

 

“Fuck.”

 

There was just no answer. So, after eight consecutive failures and only two remaining candidates, I rubbed my aching head and asked,

 

“Do the remaining two candidates behave the same? If they all turn out like this, it might be better not to see them at all.”

 

“Well, they are superior hunters… Maybe we should try looking for someone with a slightly lower grade, someone who can bring more people rather than just two.”

 

“That’s not possible.”

 

Yeon Seung-yeon and the others turned to me in surprise at my serious expression. Baek Dae-in, who was nervous and swallowed hard, asked cautiously,

 

“Why not?”

 

“Because we don’t have the money.”

 

“Ah! That’s very important…”

 

“Ho-hyun ssi!”

 

Startled, An Song-ah exclaimed along with a sigh.

 

“…To be honest, I didn’t mention it earlier for fear of biasing the interview, but there are two famous hunters among the applicants. They’re not exactly mercenaries, so it’s questionable why they’re here.”

 

“Who are they?”

 

“One is the hunter who brought the loot from Lyker, and the other one is… hasn’t arrived yet, but even though I don’t know their personality, their skills are undoubtedly strong, so it’s okay to meet them once. Whether Ho-hyun likes them or not.”

 

“We’ll see about that. Send in the remaining two at once.”

 

The last two candidates waiting in the room entered. The man with glasses had a constant smile on his face, overflowing with confidence. It was evident to everyone that he was a high-level hunter. And the pitiful man next to him…

 

Without any presence or charisma, he appeared helpless, causing everyone in the room to be speechless. They all had the same thought.

 

‘He’s definitely a low-level hunter.’

 

Baek Dae-in and An Song-ah exchanged bewildered glances.

 

“Hello, everyone! I’m Yang Su-cheol! I was born into a harmonious family!”

 

“W-wait a moment. Hunter Yang Su-cheol. How did you get in here? I don’t have any memories of confirming your presence…”

 

“I just came in through the side door.”

 

“What?”

 

It was the guy who was with Seong San-ha earlier. Ahn Song-ah and Baek Dae-in were about to chase him away immediately, but I stopped them and stood Yang Soo-cheol aside for now.

 

‘I should check if he has seen anything separately and then send him away.’

 

Turning my gaze to the man with glasses standing quietly in the middle, he appeared tall and skinny, more like someone who enjoyed books than someone involved in combat.

 

“What loot did you bring?”

 

“It’s the necklace of the chief of the Giant Tribe.”

 

“Hmm, that’s fine then.”

 

Bringing the loot from the chief of the Giant Tribe, which is known for their large size and intelligence among monsters was no small feat. As Ahn Song-ah had mentioned, there was certainly no lack of skill in this hunter. 

 

Having observed the previous eight candidates and roughly grasped their responses to interview questions, I decided to step in and continue the questioning. If there was anything suspicious, I was ready to dismiss them immediately.

 

“Why are you seeking mercenary work despite having a high rank?”

 

“I wouldn’t say I’m doing it because I want to be a mercenary, but more out of curiosity. By now, everything else has become boring to me.”

 

“Why did you come for an interview at our workshop?”

 

“It seemed interesting? I was curious about who wrote that article.”

 

“You need to do your best to obtain materials.”

 

“Of course.”

 

“You were a freelance hunter without a guild?”

 

“My past is a secret.”

 

The candidate’s responses were clearly not typical interview answers. Ahn Song-ah frowned with her arms crossed, and Yeon Seung-yeon and Baek Dae-in also looked suspicious as they shook their heads. Only Ho-hyun, the owner of the workshop, seemed satisfied with the prompt responses.

 

“So, what’s your impression after seeing me?”

 

“I think I made the right decision. You must be the owner of the workshop, right? The one who wrote that article?”

 

“That’s right! How did you know?”

 

“It’s quite obvious. I’m looking forward to seeing your potion skills. The only thing that surprised me was that you’re more handsome than I expected.”

 

“Accepted.”

 

While internally wondering when the verdict from the man with glasses would come, a sudden announcement of acceptance made Ahn Song-ah widen her eyes in shock. Yeon Seung-yeon also approached me with a trembling voice.

 

“Ho-Ho-hyun nim, this, this isn’t right. Let’s take some time to think it over…”

 

“Ho-hyun ssi! Do you believe that? He has no soul in his eyes!”

 

“Thank you for your kind consideration. I appreciate it.”

 

“I’m counting on you in the future.”

 

The hunter who brought the loot of Lyker, the original owner of Yang Su-cheol’s seat, was also called into this room. She was a woman with short hair and a rugged appearance, and seemed to be less talkative.

 

A petite woman and a skinny man. I knew how foolish it was to judge hunters by their appearance, but I couldn’t deny that the mercenaries selected were quite different from my initial expectations. I had intended to escort the two skinny individuals around stylishly, but that’s beside the point.

 

“Congratulations on becoming mercenaries of our workshop. I’m Ho-hyun, the owner of the workshop. You can call me Ho-hyun nim.”

 

“I’m Lim Cheong.”

 

“I’m Zero.”

 

“Your names are unique. Regarding the contract, you can deal with Song-ah noona and Seung-yeon, and also…”

 

While speaking, a small voice was heard from somewhere.

 

“Um…”

 

As I turned around, Yang Su-cheol, who had been standing in one corner, came out, rolling his eyes.

 

“What about my interview?”