I was Mistaken for a Noble Hunter Chapter 37 - Fame (13)

When Kang Ian first arrived at the scene of the Hwaseong Gate outbreak, the city was in chaos.

 

Fortunately, the number of monsters that poured out of the gate wasn’t overwhelming.

 

Less than a hundred, perhaps just a few dozen.

 

However, even that number was enough to throw the entire city into disarray.

 

“Graaaah—!”

 

“Kyahhh—!”

 

Most of the monsters were Minotaurs.

 

Muscular, bull-like monsters standing at 2.5 meters tall.

 

They rampaged, destroying everything in sight.

 

Cars, shops, utility poles, walls, roads…

 

Nothing was spared.

 

“Kyaaak-!”

 

“H-Help me!”

 

At first, people fled from the monsters, but as time passed, they were just running along with everyone else.

 

This only amplified the chaos, leading to people being trampled and injured…

 

Kang Ian arrived at that very moment.

 

‘Thankfully, I’m not late.’

 

Looking around, he saw no other Hunters in sight.

 

He was the first to arrive.

 

This was possible thanks to the taxi driver who, understanding the urgency, drove like a bullet.

 

While the roads leading out of Hwaseong were packed with fleeing vehicles, the road heading back into the city was eerily empty due to the outbreak.

 

“Kruuuh-!”

 

A Minotaur with a bull’s head raised its fist towards a civilian.

 

The person below was frozen in fear, unable to move.

 

Kang Ian quickly dashed towards them.

 

He summoned his spear from his inventory, kicked off the ground, and thrust it into the monster’s chest.

 

– Thud!

 

The Minotaur collapsed with a hole in its heart.

 

– Ding!

 

[You have slain evil.]

 

[Evil Soul + 51]

 

[You have saved a civilian from mortal danger.]

 

[Nobility + 19]

 

As expected of a C-rank monster, the Minotaur.

 

He gained a whopping 51 Evil Souls from just one kill.

 

Kang Ian clenched and unclenched his fists a few times.

 

Judging by the recoil he felt from the spear just now, his current strength and attack power were sufficient.

 

Furthermore, what was more important was Nobility.

 

‘19 Nobility. I wouldn’t even get this much playing with the kids at the orphanage all day!’

 

He was genuinely surprised by the amount.

 

“······.”

 

However, thoughts of points quickly vanished from Kang Ian’s mind.

 

Even though the Minotaur had fallen, the civilian remained motionless.

 

In fact, they collapsed on the spot, seemingly unable to stand due to the release of tension.

 

“Are you alright?”

 

“Ah… ah… no… My legs…”

 

They were trembling so much he could barely speak.

 

“It’s alright now. Don’t worry.”

 

Kang Ian gently patted their back.

 

Then, effortlessly lifting them onto his shoulder, he sprinted toward the safe zone and set them down.

 

The city had emergency protocols in place for Gate Outbreaks.

 

Shelters built in various locations for emergencies, and barricades to block the monsters’ advance.

 

The strategy was to quickly erect barricades, confine the monsters, and wait for hunter reinforcements.

 

The police and military were guarding these barricades. While their bullets couldn’t kill the monsters, they could certainly annoy them.

 

Monsters were sentient beings.

 

They wouldn’t willingly approach seemingly impenetrable barricades and stinging bullets and shells.

 

Instead, they targeted easier prey—scattered civilians and vulnerable city infrastructure.

 

“Th-Thank you.”

 

“No problem. Just follow the officials from here. I need to go save more people.”

 

Leaving the rescued civilian in safe hands, Kang Ian took off running again.

 

He sprinted across the city, slaying any monsters he encountered and rescuing civilians.

 

Whenever he saw people struggling to reach the shelters, he diverted the monsters’ attention.

 

Unfortunately, the largest cluster of Minotaurs was rampaging near one of the shelters, blocking people from escaping properly.

 

Kang Ian tirelessly wielded his spear and shield.

 

– Ding!

 

[You have slain evil.]

 

[Evil Soul + 49]

 

[Evil Soul + 53]

 

[You have saved a civilian from mortal danger.]

 

[Nobility + 16]

 

[Nobility + 21]

 

[Nobility + 18]…

 

…

 

As he moved, a burning apartment building caught Kang Ian’s eye.

 

– Whoosh!

 

It seemed the fire hadn’t started long ago, but the flames, originating from the middle floors, were spreading rapidly. Thick smoke billowed out.

 

Kang Ian spotted a woman on a balcony, pointing a camera outwards.

 

Thanks to his enhanced vision, he could clearly see her expression – a look of utter despair.

 

– Bam!

 

He immediately kicked off the ground and sprinted.

 

The entrance of the apartment complex was engulfed in flames.

 

Blocking the heat with his arms, Kang Ian charged straight inside.

 

-Whoosh!

 

Running through the flames was more manageable than he expected.  It was hot, of course, but only about as hot as being in a sauna.  

 

The reason was simple.

 

‘I’m so glad I bought the Sun Insignia Armor before coming here.’

 

The Sun Insignia Armor.  He bought it for its high defense and the 6% increase in fire-type skill damage.

 

He figured it would synergize well with the skill book he’d obtained as a quest reward.

 

However, what proved helpful here was a different effect attached to the armor.

 

– Reduces all fire damage by 50%.

 

50% fire damage reduction.

 

That was an absolute lifesaver in a burning building like this.

 

In addition to the armor, he wore the Valhalla Beginner Knight Set on his arms, legs, and feet.

 

Combined with the resistance he gained as a hunter, he was able to withstand the flames.

 

Kang Ian quickly ascended the stairs, taking several steps at a time. 

 

He had noted the floor number from outside.

 

– Crash!

 

He broke down the front door and rushed in, then smashed the balcony door.

 

“Ah…”

 

Han Yujoo, the woman with the camera, stared blankly at him. 

 

Kang Ian quickly assessed her condition.

 

‘Fortunately, she doesn’t seem to be seriously injured.’

 

To calm her down, Kang Ian quickly spoke.

 

“I’m here to rescue you.”

 

– Ding!

 

[You have rescued a civilian in mortal danger and despair.]

 

[You have gained +87 Nobility.]

 

Kang Ian was startled by the message.

 

‘87? Why so high…?’

 

When he was rescuing people outside, he only received around 10 to 20 points.  

 

It was something to think about later—right now, time was of the essence.

 

“······.”

 

Meanwhile, Han Yujoo was momentarily speechless, stunned by Kang Ian’s sudden appearance.

 

‘A hunter? He’s a hunter, right? A hunter came to rescue me?’

 

I’m alive… As that thought crossed her mind, emotions welled up inside her.  

 

Coming back to her senses, she managed to thank him.

 

“Th–Thank you. Thank you so much.”

 

“Don’t mention it. I should be thanking you. It’s 87 Nobility points, after all.”

 

“Huh?”

 

“It’s nothing.”

 

Kang Ian shook his head and looked towards the door.

 

– Whoosh!

 

‘That way is impossible.’

 

The flames were intensifying.

 

He might be able to make it through alone, but taking Han Yujoo with him through that inferno was out of the question.

 

That meant they had to go the other way.

 

“Excuse me for a moment.”

 

“Huh!?”

 

Kang Ian picked up Han Yujoo and approached the balcony.  

 

Clinging tightly to Kang Ian’s neck, Han Yujoo asked,

 

“W-What are you going to do?”

 

“We have to escape.”

 

“From here?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“······?”

 

Han Yujoo looked at Kang Ian with trembling eyes.  

 

Was he suggesting they jump from the balcony?  

 

Before she could say anything else, Kang Ian stepped onto the balcony railing and jumped.

 

“Kyaaak-!”

 

Han Yujoo’s scream echoed.  

 

She squeezed her eyes shut in fear.

 

In contrast, Kang Ian’s eyes were wide open, his mind focused as never before.

 

As they fell, he grabbed another apartment’s railing to slow their descent, then kicked off the wall, twisting his body as he landed.

 

– Thump!

 

His feet tingled from the impact.  

 

For having jumped while carrying someone, his landing was nearly flawless.

 

Confirming that he was fine, Kang Ian glanced at Han Yujoo.

 

She was shaking but otherwise unharmed.

 

“Phew. Are you okay?”

 

“Y-Yes. Yes…”

 

“Then can you hide here for a moment?”

 

Kang Ian led her to a space between parked cars.

 

“A-Are you leaving me?”

 

Han Yujoo’s eyes were filled with anxiety.  

 

Even though they had escaped the burning building, monsters were still roaming around.  

 

She was naturally uneasy about him leaving her alone.

 

“I won’t go far. I’m going to rescue the other residents.”

 

Kang Ian said, pointing at the apartment building.  

 

Just as Han Yujoo had been trapped, there were likely many others still inside.

 

‘I got 87 for saving one person. So if I save ten, that’s 870…’

 

A determined glint appeared in Kang Ian’s eyes. 

 

870 Nobility for saving just ten people.  

 

It was worth the risk, even if it was dangerous.  

 

Besides, thanks to his armor, he had a 50% reduction in fire damage.

 

‘Of course, not everyone will give me 87 points, but there might be more trapped people inside…’

 

The calculations ran through his head.  

 

It felt a bit opportunistic, but he pushed that thought aside.

 

Without hesitation, Kang Ian sprang into action.

 

– Whoosh!

 

He ran back towards the burning apartment.  

 

He could use the same method as before.  

 

Quickly run up the stairs, grab the people, and jump from the balcony. 

 

The higher floors might put a strain on his body, but…

 

‘I have to trust my own strength.’

 

It was fortunate that he had been working out intensely with Kang Hopoong recently.

 

That training would definitely help here.

 

As Kang Ian ran towards the apartment building…

 

“Wow…”

 

Han Yujoo filmed his retreating figure with the camera she hadn’t let go of.

 

[Title: Live from the Hwaseong Rampage Gate]

 

– Current Viewers: 3500

 

A whopping 3500 viewers.

 

– Crazy, who is that Hunter?

 

– Wow… so cool

 

– I was shocked when he ran through the flames

 

– And he just ran off to save other people?

 

– Han Yujoo is dead silent… Did she just fall for him at first sight?

 

– I’d fall for him too, even if he were a man.

 

…

 

The chat was scrolling too fast to read.

 

And every moment of it was being broadcast live on YouTube.

 

* * *

 

Kang Ian moved tirelessly.

 

Honestly, he didn’t think he could have worked harder today even if he tried.

 

Thirty-nine residents rescued from the burning apartment.

 

He had landed on the ground so many times while carrying them that he could barely feel his legs anymore.

 

But he didn’t stop.

 

Rescuing them wasn’t the end of it.

 

They had to be taken to a safe place for the job to be truly finished.

 

He led the people to the evacuation site.

 

– Ding!

 

[You have safely evacuated people from danger.]

 

[Nobility +193]

 

‘Nice!’

 

He clenched his fist in triumph. 

 

The Nobility he’d gained in Hwaseong had accumulated to over 1500.

 

He felt incredibly satisfied with his decision to come here.

 

Afterwards, Kang an ran towards the remaining monsters.

 

He wanted to rest, but the thought of ‘Evil Souls’ were still wandering around kept him going.

 

Among the city’s defense systems, like the barricades, was a marker that indicated the location of monsters.

 

Lights on street lamps and the ground blinked faster the closer a monster was.

 

This allowed civilians to navigate away from monsters, while hunters could more easily track them down.

 

“Kwooor-”

 

A Minotaur was venting its rage by pounding its fists on a car.

 

Kang Ian charged towards it, spear raised.

 

He was starting to feel fatigued, but he figured he could still handle a Minotaur or two.

 

But just as he was about to reach it—

 

A black shadow suddenly zipped past, slashing through the minotaur in an instant.

 

The beast collapsed with a thud.

 

Kang Ian frowned.

 

‘Who was that?!’

 

He’d been robbed. 

 

Who had the nerve to pull such a disrespectful move—?!

 

“Hunter Kang Ian! Are you alright?”

 

The kill-stealer rushed over and grabbed Kang Ian’s hand.

 

“Uh… Team Leader Choi?”

 

Looking at him with concern was Team Leader Choi Seobin of Red Rose.

 

Looking around, he saw other hunters rushing in, spreading out to handle the situation.

 

It seemed that the reinforcement hunters had finally arrived.

 

Kang Ian clicked his tongue.

 

‘Too bad.’

 

If they had arrived just a bit later, all those Evil Souls would have been his.

 

“I saw everything, Hunter Kang Ian. Really… how could you put yourself in such danger without a thought for your own safety?”

 

“Huh? What do you mean?”

 

“You went into that burning apartment building to rescue the citizens. Even if hunters are superhuman, that was incredibly reckless!”

 

“???”

 

Wait… how did she know that?