I was Mistaken for a Noble Hunter Chapter 75

Fame (12)

 

“Huup! Hup!”

“One more! You can do it!”

“Huuuuup!”

Kang Ian pushed with his legs, his face flushed red.

He was seated on a leg press machine loaded with plates, while Kang Hoopung and Nakao Ryusei stood on either side, each assisting him.

With his face still red, Kang Ian finally succeeded in pushing the weight.

Clank

He locked the safety and let out the breath he had been barely holding in.

“You’re doing great. How is it that your weight keeps increasing every day? Is it because you’re young?”

“Kang-san is strong. Good job.”

Kang Hoopung and Ryusei both gave him a thumbs-up.

Lately, the three of them had been working out together on a schedule.

To be exact, Hoopung and Ryusei were adjusting their time to match Kang Ian’s.

Between volunteer work, completing requests, filming ads, and doing interviews every day,

Kang Ian’s schedule was incredibly busy.

On the other hand, Kang Hoopung was half-retired, and Ryusei didn’t really have anything to do in Korea.

So whenever their schedules aligned, the three of them would spend hours at the fitness gym working out.

It was rare to meet people whose workout preferences matched so well.

Despite differences in nationality, age, and rank, they quickly became close.

That was why Kang Ian spoke with a hint of regret.

“Hyung.”

“Yeah?”

“I think I won’t be able to work out together for a while. I have to go to the U.S.”

“Ah, that’s a shame.”

Kang Hoopung made a troubled expression.

“Because of that Behemoth Guild request?”

“Yes. I’ll be leaving soon.”

“Well, if that’s the case, nothing we can do. Ha… I don’t have a workout partner like you, little brother. That’s unfortunate.”

“I feel the same, hyung.”

Compared to Kang Hoopung, both Kang Ian and Ryusei were far behind in strength and training level.

Still, their passion was comparable.

Most people got discouraged just seeing Hoopung’s intensity, but they were different.

That was why they could train together, assisting each other.

But now, because of work, they had to stop.

Kang Hoopung turned his gaze toward Ryusei.

Like substituting pheasant with chicken.

Compared to Kang Ian, he was lacking, but Ryusei’s strength was still decent.

‘And he’s passionate. Maybe it’s because he’s Japanese, but he’s always humble…’

In reality, he was just overwhelmed by Kang Hoopung and Kang Ian and ended up being polite without realizing it, but Hoopung saw him as a diligent and well-mannered junior hunter from another country.

“Ryusei, what about you? Want to train together just the two of us for a while?”

After staying in a hotel, working out, and studying Korean nonstop in his spare time,

Ryusei had improved quickly to the point that he could hold conversations.

Of course, it only worked because Hoopung and Ian spoke slowly using simple words, 

but still, he had reached a communicative level.

“Very good proposal. Thank you. But not possible.”

Ryusei shook his head with an awkward expression.

“I have things to do in Korea. Work came in.”

“I see… Well, I guess I’ll have to train alone while you two are gone.”

Kang Hoopung clicked his tongue.

He had always trained alone before, but recently he had always had partners.

The contrast would be harsh.

He would surely miss this time once he returned to training alone.

“Little brother, you have to come back soon. We need to train together.”

“Of course. I can’t afford muscle loss either, so I’ll finish things as quickly as possible and return.”

“Good. Oh, and before you go to the U.S., I want to send you a gift. When did you say you’re leaving?”

At the sudden mention of a gift, Kang Ian tilted his head before answering.

“Tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow… That’s tight, but if I send it by express, it’ll arrive by morning. Make sure to take it with you and open it on the plane.”

“What kind of gift is it?”

“Hehe. I’ll keep that a surprise. Open it when you get there.”

Kang Hoopung grinned mischievously.

“Alright, break time’s been too long. Let’s go for the next set.”

“Yes!”

Their workout continued for quite a while.

 

***

 

Ryusei fully acknowledged Kang Ian.

‘Yeah… someone like Kang-san can definitely be called a talent superior to me.’

Korea wasn’t particularly a powerhouse in hunters.

Public safety was well maintained, but the hunter pool was shallow.

Japan, on the other hand, was undoubtedly a hunter powerhouse.

Not quite at the level of the U.S., but still among the top in the world.

Ryusei was considered the top prospect in Japan at present and among the best in the world.

Naturally, the Korean Hunter Association showed great interest in him when he came to Korea.

Could they get something out of him?

That was their thought.

After prolonged contact between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs staff who came with him and the Association, they reached a meaningful conclusion.

“Nakao-san. We’ve secured a gate entry permit from the Korean Hunter Association.”

“Thank you for your hard work.”

“It’s nothing. It’s only natural. However, you cannot enter alone—you must be accompanied by a Korean C-rank hunter.”

Since he had come all the way to Korea, Ryusei wanted to experience Korean gates.

So he requested permission from the Association, and they granted it.

Though there was a condition, Ryusei found it reasonable.

“Gates are national assets, after all. That’s understandable. I will share my knowledge with the Korean hunters.”

Ryusei spoke confidently.

After all, he himself was receiving guidance every day from Kang Hoopung and Kang Ian.

If something is good, it should be shared.

However, the Ministry staff interpreted it differently.

‘As expected of Nakao-san… He’s going to show the spirit of Japan to the Korean hunters!’

 

****

 

Ryusei’s gate raid was arranged immediately.

Since distributing gates to various guilds was the Association’s job, setting one aside was possible.

The gate he was assigned was a C-rank gate in Namsan.

A green entrance swirled ominously.

There, he met the person who would enter with him.

“Hello. I’m Hong Dasom.”

Wearing a robe, she bowed her head politely.

Ryusei was startled.

First, by her appearance, and then because she looked familiar.

‘She… appeared in an ad with Kang-san, right?’

After getting close to Kang Ian, he had looked up what he was doing and naturally ended up watching his ads.

In one of them, Kang Ian and Hong Dasom looked like a perfectly matched pair.

“I am Nakao Ryusei. Nice to meet you.”

“Oh, your Korean is good.”

“I studied hard.”

“Nice. Let’s do our best.”

Hong Dasom smiled brightly.

“……”

For a moment, Ryusei felt his heart race.

But they were about to enter the gate… such feelings were a luxury.

Soon after, the two entered the gate together.

It was an A-type gate with no special mission… just defeat monsters and destroy the core.

“I go first.”

Ryusei stepped forward confidently.

He had always believed in his abilities, but now he wanted to show them even more clearly.

“Okay. I’ll support from the back.”

Hong Dasom nodded and stepped back.

In the past, no matter who her teammate was, she would have told them to just stay behind and rest.

She had believed she was the best and could handle everything alone.

But after meeting Kang Ian, that mindset changed.

There was always a higher sky above, and she had only been a frog in a well.

“Haap!”

After that, Ryusei swept through the dungeon.

He truly lived up to being Japan’s top prospect.

Even C-rank monsters, which weren’t easy opponents, were dealt with effortlessly.

He glanced back at Hong Dasom.

Did he look impressive enough?

But her expression remained calm.

She spoke.

“May I help? It might go faster.”

“…? Ah, yes.”

Ryusei was slightly taken aback.

Usually, hunters of similar rank who entered gates with him would feel intimidated.

The difference in skill made them hesitant to act.

But Hong Dasom showed none of that.

Then she waved her hand.

A massive gust formed and shot forward.

A powerful storm restricted the terrain, and blades of wind tore through the monsters.

“Grrr”

“Kyah”

She wasn’t much inferior to Ryusei.

‘Wow…’

Ryusei was astonished.

‘A-are all Korean hunters like this?’

Even if Hong Dasom was considered a genius within Korea, that reputation hadn’t spread overseas.

So Ryusei had thought of her as just a pretty model hunter.

But to show this level of ability?

Kang Ian, and now Hong Dasom too.

Korea seemed full of monsters.

“That’s done. Shall we continue?”

“Yes, yes.”

Smiling faintly, Hong Dasom gestured ahead.

Ryusei nodded blankly as he looked at her.

 

***

 

At the same time, Ryusei was being shocked by Hong Dasom’s ability…

Kang Ian was in the sky.

First class, no less.

“I can’t believe I’m flying first class in my lifetime.”

Kang Ian muttered.

Given his current income, he could afford first class.

But having lived poor for so long, he had never even considered it.

Instead, CEO Shim Junseok had arranged it.

“Thank you, sir.”

Kang Ian straightened up and bowed slightly toward Shim Junseok, seated beside him.

The partitions between seats were high in first class.

“Haha, no need. It’s only natural.”

Shim waved his hand with a smile.

The Behemoth Guild had covered travel expenses, but not enough for first class.

Only business class.

Shim Junseok had paid out of pocket to upgrade it.

From his perspective, it was only natural.

Thanks to Kang Ian, the Happiness Office was thriving day by day.

Most hunters under agencies weren’t particularly diligent, preferring relaxed and peaceful lives over money.

But Kang Ian worked hard every single day.

Not only that, he had a strong public appeal, raising the agency’s reputation as well.

Even if his rank wasn’t high yet, he was practically their star.

‘And his rank will rise soon enough!’

Right now, his schedule was too busy, but once things settled, promotion would be inevitable.

“By the way, are you uncomfortable in that suit?”

Shim asked.

Kang Ian was wearing a monster ceramic suit made by YJ Company.

“No, not at all. It’s comfortable.”

Kang Ian shrugged.

Sure, it wasn’t as comfortable as a tracksuit, but it wasn’t bad.

Besides, he needed to promote it whenever possible.

There would definitely be reporters at the airport.

More exposure meant more benefit.

And for someone nearing superhuman levels like him, it wasn’t uncomfortable anyway.

“Oh, right.”

Something suddenly crossed his mind.

He got up and moved slightly to the side, where a tightly wrapped box sat.

It was the gift Kang Hoopung had sent.

The problem was its ridiculous weight.

It was almost too heavy to bring on board.

He had to pay extra baggage fees and even purchase an additional seat to bring it.

“What kind of gift is this…”

Now he was really curious.

When he opened the box, he found a large dumbbell.

“……”

And a note beside it.

[Little brother. This is an adjustable dumbbell I had specially made through the Association. It’s made from new materials from inside a gate, so it’s compact but can be adjusted to be quite heavy. You can turn the lever in the middle to change the weight, though it won’t go extremely heavy… just enough for light arm workouts during the flight. I hope you like my surprise gift. Heh heh.]

‘Seriously…’

It was such a Hoopung-like gift.

Kang Ian lifted the dumbbell.

“Hmm. Not bad.”

Indeed.

He couldn’t do heavy compound lifts with it, but it was enough for one-arm dumbbell curls.

As he lifted it up and down a few times, a solid pressure spread through his arm.

With over ten hours of flight ahead and nothing to do, this seemed like a good way to pass the time.

“……”

Meanwhile, Shim Junseok was staring at him strangely.

He seriously pondered to himself.

‘Should I… advise Hunter Kang Ian to keep some distance from Hunter Kang Hoopung… even now?’