I was Mistaken for a Noble Hunter Chapter 106

Training (5)

 

Dmitry Medvedev. (TL note: Honestly, his last name is such a hassle that I won’t bother fixing it… sorry.)

Kang Ian wasn’t the type to know famous celebrities or public figures well, but even he had at least heard the name.

The current right-hand man and second-in-command of the Russian president.

A figure who had served as Russia’s prime minister multiple times and, at one point… albeit as a puppet, had even been the president.

A world-class heavyweight politician.

‘…But why is someone like that standing in front of my house?’

His daily schedule must be packed down to the minute.

So why had he come all the way to distant Korea?

Without realizing it, Kang Ian glanced at Section Chief Jeon Jaewon beside him.

But Jeon Jaewon was just as flustered.

In fact, far more overwhelmed than Kang Ian.

‘Why… why would someone like Medvedev come looking for Hunter Kang Ian?’

The government was thrown into chaos upon hearing that the Vice Chairman of Russia’s National Security Council had suddenly visited Korea.

— Why on earth has Vice Chairman Medvedev come?

— Could he be trying to contact a corporation? Like building a factory in Russia with Ohseong Group…

— Then OHseong should go to Russia! A figure of his level has no reason to come to Korea!

Someone like Medvedev was far too important to move personally.

Even if the U.S. president requested a meeting, he wouldn’t come easily… yet here he was, and no one could guess his purpose.

So, for now, one government official and one association official were dispatched.

Since several Hunters were part of Medvedev’s security detail, the Association had to send someone as well.

That’s how Section Chief Jeon Jaewon ended up accompanying them.

But even when he asked about the destination, the aide didn’t give a clear answer.

Then, when they arrived at Kang Ian’s house, he was shocked.

‘He came to see Hunter Kang Ian!?’

Still, there were too many things that didn’t make sense.

‘Trying to recruit him as a citizen? Sure, Kang Ian is talented, but…’

Even so, Kang Ian wasn’t even A-rank yet… just B-rank.

It made no sense that Russia’s second-in-command would come personally for him.

So Jeon Jaewon simply stayed quiet, full of questions.

“…Please come in first. You’re guests… it’s strange to keep talking outside like this.”

“Then, excuse us.”

When Kang Ian led them inside, Medvedev and his entourage quickly followed.

As if that had been their intention from the start.

“Please come in. It’s a bit modest.”

Though he said that, Kang Ian subtly puffed out his chest.

He was no longer the man who lived in a shabby one-room apartment.

Back then, both the neighborhood and the house were so poor that he couldn’t even invite acquaintances.

But now?

An apartment in central Seoul worth 8.5 billion won (even if half was still a loan)!

With luxurious interior design.

He was confident that anyone he invited would be impressed.

“Indeed, it is quite modest.”

“…?”

There was an interpreter among the entourage, so communication wasn’t an issue.

But hearing the translated words, Kang Ian flinched.

This wasn’t the reaction he expected.

“H-ha, really?”

“Yes. It’s small and single-floor. And an apartment, no less. For someone of your stature, it’s nothing more than a chicken coop.”

“……”

Kang Ian stared at Medvedev in disbelief.

“They say the East values connections. Since this is a connection, I’ll gift you a house soon.”

“Pardon? A house?”

“It won’t be anything too large.”

Medvedev gestured to an aide.

“Boris. Do we own any real estate in Seoul?”

“Yes, Your Excellency. We operate a few buildings through separate companies.”

“Demolish something appropriate and build him a decent mansion.”

“We’ll request cooperation from the authorities to complete it as quickly as possible.”

“Good. I’ll speak with the Korean government. You said your name is Section Chief Jeon? Could I ask for your assistance?”

Medvedev looked at Jeon Jaewon.

“Ah, yes. Of course, we must accommodate your wishes, Vice Chairman. Haha.”

Jeon wiped sweat from his forehead.

It wasn’t even hot, but he kept sweating.

‘What on earth is going on?’

It was hard to follow the conversation.

The same went for Kang Ian.

‘He’s just giving me a house? In central Seoul?’

Kang Ian looked at Medvedev, wondering if this was real.

Medvedev shrugged.

“Since we’ve met like this, please accept it without burden.”

“I-it’s impossible not to feel burdened, haha.”

“With your abilities, this is nothing. You’re very humble.”

Medvedev laughed heartily, leaving Kang Ian wondering how he was being perceived.

“However, there is something I’d like to request from you, Hunter Kang Ian.”

“Yes, please go ahead.”

“I’ve heard you can purify hazardous zones.”

“!”

Kang Ian’s eyes widened.

He had never said that out loud… yet this Russian politician knew?

And someone else was equally shocked.

‘So that’s it!’

Jeon Jaewon finally understood why Medvedev was here.

The ability to purify hazardous zones.

Even at a glance, it sounded absurd.

So many countries struggled because of hazardous zones.

Some had even lost core territories to them.

Being able to purify such zones meant immense value on the international stage!

This was on an entirely different level from being called a genius Hunter.

‘But how did they know…?’

Jeon felt chills at the thought of the SVR’s intelligence capabilities.

At the same time, he felt bitter about the Association’s level.

Medvedev continued.

“There is a place in Russia where your ability is urgently needed. It’s a hazardous zone that has plagued us for a long time, and we can no longer leave it as it is. So I came here despite the discourtesy.”

His eyes gleamed.

“Fortunately, I hear you belong to a request office. We will offer a satisfactory reward. Would you be willing to take on our request?”

“Uh…”

“Of course, we won’t force you. That would violate your free will. Naturally, the house I mentioned earlier is still yours regardless. It’s simply a token of goodwill.”

“!”

‘He’ll build me a house in central Seoul… and not even take it back?’

Even if he said not to feel burdened, anyone would.

But more importantly, if this were just a gift, how much would the request fee be?

Would they pile up mountains of gold?

“Th-then of course I’ll acce…”

Ding dong

Someone rang the doorbell.

Looking at the intercom, two Western men in suits stood outside.

Kang Ian glanced at Medvedev, wondering if they were part of his group.

But Medvedev shook his head with a bitter smile.

“Uninvited guests. Please open the door. If you don’t, they’ll break in anyway.”

“…What?”

Though confused, Kang Ian opened the door.

One of the men bowed 90 degrees.

“It’s an honor to meet you. I’m James, head of the CIA’s Korea branch.”

“!”

 

***

 

The CIA had been paying close attention to Hunter Kang Ian recently, but they always had many things to manage.

Talented Hunters in Korea, guild movements, gate creation and management, identifying unstable gates…

There was too much to handle.

So when Medvedev visited Korea and went straight to Kang Ian’s home, they briefly lost track of him.

They noticed his arrival immediately but struggled to figure out his purpose.

By the time they learned he had gone to Kang Ian’s house, they were already a step behind.

‘Those SVR bastards… did they steal our intel?’

There was only one reason someone like Medvedev would seek Kang Ian: hazardous zones.

The CIA was watching him for the same reason.

And the only way Russia could have gotten that information was by taking it from the CIA.

There was no way they’d know so much about Kang Ian otherwise.

‘We need to overhaul our security system.’

But first, they had to respond.

If Kang Ian defected to Russia, it would be a disaster.

So they rushed to his house.

“Did you say CIA?”

“Yes.”

“P-please come in first.”

“Thank you for inviting me.”

James bowed again and entered.

He glared at Medvedev, then extended a handshake.

“It’s been a while, Vice Chairman.”

“Yes. Branch Chief James. You must be busy… what brings you here?”

“What could be more important than this? You’re trying to take Hunter Kang Ian to Russia.”

“Haha, you misunderstand. We have no such intention. We only wish to commission him.”

“A commission…?”

James relaxed slightly.

At least it wasn’t the worst-case scenario.

‘So they’re not trying to kidnap him.’

Still, against a superhuman Hunter, such an operation would be difficult.

Especially since Kang Ian was a B-rank… and a strong one at that.

‘If it’s just a request, that’s a relief.’

Medvedev continued.

“If you succeed, we will treat you as a state guest of Russia. You will receive our highest honor, separate from the commission fee.”

They had already investigated Kang Ian during the flight.

A Hunter unusually interested in honor.

Strange… but convenient.

If he wished, they could make him a hero to the Russian people.

‘The highest honor…?’

It was slightly different from Medvedev’s assumption, but the offer was still tempting.

Even receiving a plaque from UHN had given him great “nobility.”

Now the highest honor?

Though it required going abroad, it was worth considering.

“I’ll think about it seriously.”

“That’s more than enough, my friend. I’ll contact you again when your gift is completed.”

Medvedev shook his hand and left as if satisfied.

Jeon Jaewon and James hesitated… whether to stay or follow him, then decided to follow.

The house fell silent in an instant.

It felt like a storm had passed.

 

***

 

After the sudden visits, Kang Ian’s mind was a mess.

When there’s too much to think about, exercise is best.

Since he already had plans to work out with Hong Dasom, he headed straight to the gym.

He met her at the entrance, and inside were already Kang Hoopung and Ryusei.

Ryusei wore a tank top cut down to below her chest.

Kang Hoopung had taken off his shirt entirely.

Hong Dasom flinched.

She immediately regretted not turning back earlier.

Once they started, the workout was relentless.

Endless reps, increasing weight…

“I-I think I’ll go. I came to the wrong place… no, I think I’ve worked out enough.”

“Hah. You may come as you please, but leaving is not up to you. This isn’t even enough for a warm-up… what are you talking about?”

“???”

That day, Hong Dasom was completely exhausted… her eyes looked like a dead fish.

Meanwhile, Kang Ian felt refreshed enough to clear his mind.

‘Working out with Brother Hoopung really is the best.’

Much better than training alone.

After a refreshing 3-hour workout, Kang Ian went to the Happiness Office.

He had already reported completing the Crystal Research Institute’s request over the phone, but wanted to speak in person.

‘And also mention Medvedev’s visit.’

At the office, there was already a guest.

A woman with a large sniper rifle on her back, lazily vaping.

Lim Gayeon was talking with CEO Shim Junseok.

“Oh, Hunter Kang Ian.”

Seeing him, she looked pleased.

“We’re going to take down a villain group tomorrow. Want to join?”

“…? Yes.”

Kang Ian was momentarily confused but nodded first.

Better to accept and think later.