I was Mistaken for a Noble Hunter – Chapter 107

Author: Cireng

Training (6)

“Wait… you can’t just agree like that without thinking.”

When Kang Ian immediately nodded, Shim Junseok was the one left flustered.

Dealing with villains wasn’t something to take lightly.

This wasn’t a picnic… it was something that required careful consideration.

But Kang Ian simply shrugged.

“If there’s an opportunity, dealing with villains is the right thing to do, isn’t it? Besides, if I’m with Hunter Lim Gayeon, it won’t be dangerous.”

He had seen Lim Gayeon’s abilities before.

She sniped from extreme long range, and the villains collapsed one after another without being able to do anything.

At best, they trembled and hid behind cover… but even that wouldn’t last forever.

‘And her close-range combat with dual pistols was impressive too.’

Even Kang Ian, who already possessed many abilities, found himself wanting long-range skills after seeing her fight.

So, hunting villains together with Lim Gayeon?

It was practically the same as earning Nobility for free.

“Ha…”

Shim Junseok rubbed his forehead.

“I know you value honor and can’t ignore injustice, but you still need to be careful. Getting involved with villains can cause serious problems. Do you know why Hunter Lim Gayeon is taking on another request to hunt them?”

“Hmm. Good question. Why?”

Kang Ian thought the first part of Shim Junseok’s statement sounded odd, but he didn’t interrupt.

Still, it was strange that Lim Gayeon was taking action again.

She had said herself that she was lazy and didn’t like working much.

She usually only took on one request per year… so why was she moving again already?

Lim Gayeon answered.

“You know those guys we ran into last time were lying in wait with a trap, right?”

“Yes. Their group rushed toward the mountain where you were… though they all got wiped out.”

“They only knew I was a sniper, so that’s why it happened… but anyway, my face was exposed back then. And a villain organization with someone who has a peculiar skill managed to identify me from that exposure.”

“!”

Kang Ian flinched.

Villains weren’t called villains for nothing.

Once you got on their bad side, things became troublesome.

They would even go after your family and acquaintances for revenge.

“So I decided to deal with them first.”

Only then did Kang Ian understand why someone as lazy as Lim Gayeon was taking action.

“I guess I’m in danger too.”

“That’s not likely. Even villains can’t recklessly target high-ranking hunters… they might end up getting killed instead. But as for me… I’ve had many encounters like this, so I already have a bad reputation among villains. At this point, they might be coming at me with a ‘you die, or I die’ mindset. Or maybe the ones we defeated had close ties with them… There are plenty of reasons for them to target me.”

Lim Gayeon let out a deep sigh.

“Well, that’s about it. I was discussing with the director because I needed a vanguard in case something unexpected happens, like last time. If you help me, Kang Ian, that would be great.”

“Of course. I’d be happy to help.”

Kang Ian nodded without hesitation.

After hearing everything, he wanted to do it even more.

It wasn’t just about earning Nobility… he couldn’t just ignore villains who had identified Lim Gayeon.

“…Sigh. If both of you insist, then I understand. But you must always stay cautious.”

“Of course.”

“Good. Ah, by the way, Kang Ian… why did you come to the office? Shouldn’t you be resting?”

Shim Junseok asked, looking at him.

No matter how capable Kang Ian was, he should have rested for a few days. Yet he came back to the office right away?

“I mentioned it in a text, but I wanted to personally report that I completed the lab request. And there’s one more thing.”

“One more thing?”

“Yes. Earlier today, a politician named Dmitry Medvedev came to my house.”

“…What?”

“Do you know him?”

“Of course I do!”

Shim Junseok shouted in shock.

Even Kang Ian knew the name, so there was no way Shim Junseok wouldn’t.

“It’s nothing major. He asked me to take on a request in Russia. He said it was a gift and offered to build me a large house first. The details will come afterward. From what I heard, it seems related to a dangerous area in Russia.”

“…Sigh. How is that ‘nothing major’?”

Shim Junseok felt a headache coming on.

This wasn’t just any connection… it involved a major figure.

“…Still, it’s impressive. Instead of me running around trying to secure requests, you’re getting them directly. Alright. I’ll look into the details.”

“I’d appreciate it.”

Kang Ian smiled.

As expected, Shim Junseok was someone who understood what needed to be done without being told.

***

After leaving the Happiness Office, Kang Ian checked the time.

It was a bit late, but it should still be fine.

He took out a business card and made a call.

He spoke politely, and the other party told him to come right away.

The destination wasn’t far.

It was the Sword King’s residence, located in the heart of Myeongdong.

‘Impressive.’

Looking up at the 30-story building shaped like a traditional pavilion, Kang Ian thought so.

To construct something like this in the middle of Seoul… it showed just how powerful the Sword King was.

And what was even more famous was that the building hadn’t been funded by him, but by his followers.

‘Maybe someday I can do something like that too.’

Lately, people have been calling him “noble” and viewing him positively.

It wasn’t a bad misunderstanding.

At this rate, maybe he’d even gain followers like the Sword King.

After taking in the sight, Kang Ian entered the building.

A staff member on the first floor greeted him with a smile.

“Welcome to the Sword King’s residence. How may I help you?”

“I have an appointment.”

“May I have your name?”

“Kang Ian.”

“Kang Ian… Kang Ian…!!”

After checking the list, the staff member was startled.

‘The meeting location… the 30th floor?’

That meant he was a guest of Cheon Hajin, the Sword King.

“P-please wait a moment. I’ll confirm upstairs first.”

“Sure. Can I look around while I wait?”

“The first floor is open to everyone, so that’s fine.”

Kang Ian nodded and walked further inside.

He had been hearing sounds from within since earlier.

“Hup!”

“Hah!”

Inside a large indoor training hall, many people were gathered, wearing training uniforms and swinging wooden swords.

Their synchronized footwork and precise downward strikes were impressive.

‘They’re not hunters… just ordinary people.’

Awakening came randomly.

Kang Ian himself had awakened while simply staying at home.

But many people believed that taking action would increase their chances of awakening.

They believed that training like hunters might help them become one.

It was a mistaken belief, but many still held it.

The Sword King didn’t turn them away.

Instead, he accepted them all and opened the first floor for training.

This was the result.

Their passion and sweat were impressive to watch.

As Kang Ian observed them, he noticed an elderly staff member… likely a janitor, walking carefully in the corner.

He seemed to be assisting the trainees, but while carrying equipment, he stumbled and fell.

‘Oh no.’

Kang Ian quickly approached him.

“Are you alright?”

“Oh my… thank you.”

“You should be careful. Getting hurt would be serious.”

He helped the man up and gathered the items he had dropped.

Ding!

[You helped someone in need]

[Nobility +1]

“Thank you very much.”

“It’s nothing.”

Kang Ian smiled warmly.

Small acts like this had become a natural part of his daily life.

Even without going out of his way to volunteer, he would help anyone in need nearby.

He gained Nobility and a sense of fulfillment.

It couldn’t get better than this.

Someone was watching him from a distance.

“Hm. They said he understands courtesy and virtue… It seems to be true.”

It was Cheon Hajin, the Sword King.

After receiving a call from the first-floor staff, he had come down personally and witnessed the scene.

There were no cameras around, yet Kang Ian still went out of his way to help someone.

A smile formed on Cheon Hajin’s lips.

‘I should thank my disciple again.’

It was rare to see someone with such character these days.

Being good with a sword wasn’t everything.

One needed true depth of character first.

Swordsmanship came after that.

‘Even if he had no talent for swordsmanship, it wouldn’t matter.’

“I’ll go up first. Tell him to come up.”

“Yes, Sword King.”

After giving instructions, Cheon Hajin returned upstairs.

If he stayed, the trainees would stop training just to show him respect.

***

Guided by the staff, Kang Ian arrived on the 30th floor.

Almost the entire floor was an indoor training hall.

‘The materials… this must have cost a fortune.’

Touching the wall lightly, Kang Ian was amazed.

Everything was made from special materials obtained inside the Gates.

They were incredibly expensive… but unbelievably durable.

“You’ve arrived.”

“Ah, Sword King, sir. Hello.”

Cheon Hajin stepped out from a small office in the corner, and Kang Ian bowed politely.

Dressed in a white training uniform, Cheon Hajin looked the same as before.

A sword at his waist, and his empty left sleeve fluttering in the air.

He looked like a scholar from the Joseon era brought into modern times.

‘This is important.’

Kang Ian felt like he was at a job interview.

The Sword King taught swordsmanship to anyone who came to him.

But those he truly called “disciples” were extremely few.

The trainees on the first floor and countless hunters who had learned from him all called themselves his disciples… but the Sword King did not recognize them as such.

‘I heard he has very strict standards.’

It was said that even a chaebol heir who offered hundreds of billions in donations was rejected outright.

He must not have met the Sword King’s criteria.

‘I’ll work hard and become his disciple!’

Kang Ian planned to learn swordsmanship thoroughly and quickly master Valhalla’s secret techniques.

With burning determination, he looked at Cheon Hajin.

Then Cheon Hajin spoke.

“So… you’re Kang Ian, correct?”

“Yes, sir.”

“When I saw you with Kang Hoopung, I thought you were a bit unusual. I still think so… but people have different tastes, and I respect that.”

He nodded to himself.

“Would you like to become my disciple? There’s much I’d like to teach you.”