Han-Yeol completed all his dealings with the Black Orcs and the Bastrolings before leisurely returning to South Korea. His footsteps were light on the way back. He had vanquished Craspio and claimed the Atarinia Archipelago as his own land, and it seemed nothing could stop him now.
Unfortunately, life was not about to be as kind.
Ring! Ring!
Aigoo! My daughter, Soo-Yeon! My poor daughter!
Waaaah!
My child Bring my child back!
Take me instead! Dont take my innocent child! Please!
Han-Yeol wore the black suit he had last worn during the Hunter Event for the funeral being held at Gwanghwamun Square. The weather was clear, yet he appeared downcast, as if he had been standing under the rain for days. It wasn't the rain that weighed heavily and drenched him, but rather, the sadness and tears of the bereaved loved ones.
Tak...
Someone walked behind Han-Yeol and placed their hand on his shoulder. It was none other than his good friend, Sung-Jin.
Im sorry, he apologized.
Hmm? For what? Han-Yeol asked in response, unable to understand why his friend was apologizing.
He tried to recall if Sung-Jin had done anything wrong, but he couldn't think of anything.
Youre not related to them or anything, but you were forced to come because I knew one of them As you can see, the atmosphere isnt that good, so Im sorry you had to come all this way because of me
Are you being serious right now?
Yeah.
Han-Yeol grimaced at Sung-Jins reply and said, Im disappointed in you.
What?
Is this all I am to you?
What are you saying all of a sudden?
"Isn't it only natural for me to be here when a friend's friend has passed away? Why apologize for my emotions, especially when you can see the collective grief among those mourning the departed?"
T-That is Sung-Jin found himself unable to counter Han-Yeol's words.
Unaware of when it began, he gradually realized he was treating Han-Yeol with a level of deference akin to a modern-day noble. This realization prompted his apology, which could be interpreted as, 'I apologize for bringing someone of your esteemed status to an ordinary setting,' irrespective of his original intentions.
Sorry
Dont do that ever again. A friend of yours is a friend of mine.
Thanks, Han-Yeol.
Tak Tak
Han-Yeol tapped Sung-Jins shoulder to show he was not angry. He wanted to tell Sung-Jin not to be so rigid around him.
The funeral was a traditional one that lasted for three days, as it usually did. Han-Yeol stayed for the entire length of the funeral, just like the bereaved family members and loved ones did.
Someone famous paying their respects at a funeral was not usually something to be made an issue about, but the problem was that Han-Yeol was simply too famous. News of him paying his respects spread like wildfire, and the fact that he was not related to them was one of the things people paid attention to.
The other reporters concurred. While Han-Yeols presence at the funeral remained the hottest topic, there was nothing headline-worthy about him, as he stood rooted in place without engaging in anything eye-catching. Meanwhile, despite a slight imbalance, the gathering of high-ranking officials from the two pillars of the country was a far more newsworthy development.
Alright, all I have to do is wait for the editing team to refine these photos.
The reporters were incessantly prodded by their news outlets since the only pictures they had for the past two days were of Han-Yeol standing still. It was only on the third day that they finally managed to capture a few pictures worthy of making headlines.
The third highest-ranking official of the Hunters Association, Director Choi, approached the acting president and greeted him with a bright smile.
Hahaha! I did not expect to see you here, Mr. Acting President.
Long time no see Director Choi
The acting president did not appear as pleased to see the director from the association as he shook his hand. Simultaneously, he cursed Director Choi in his mind while shaking his hand, This moron Hes laughing at a funeral?
He wanted to wipe that smile off the directors face. Even though Director Choi was the one laughing and smiling, the acting president was shaking his hand at a funeral, making him vulnerable to public criticism.
Some might perceive him as overly sensitive, but this was a delicate time for the government. Their position was so precarious that they had to be cautious even about a leaf falling from a tree.[1]
Haa I have no idea why these association bastards are so dumb I guess its because they are lackeys of that moron of a chairman.
The acting president barely managed to suppress the words he almost spat out. He knew nothing good would come from expressing such sentiments, considering the prevailing public opinion that both the government and the association were equally incompetent.
Regardless, officials from the two pillars of the country shook hands. Observing the interaction, Han-Yeol found himself contemplating, Hmm There's no way this country is going to function properly when these incompetent fools are the ones running it
He wasn't a saint or a philanthropist, but he possessed common sense, understanding the need to contribute to society with the wealth he accumulated.
Han-Yeol's ability to raise his skill proficiency or rank through reading books turned him into a voracious reader, having explored over ten thousand books to date. Some of these books covered topics such as politics, economy, and society, providing valuable insights.
In a democratic and capitalist society, we can't burden only the rich, but those affluent individuals who neglect their societal responsibilities are the worst. What good are they to society if they don't honor the most basic obligations?
This was a recent contemplation for Han-Yeol.
If they disappear, and I create a new order Will the world become a better place? Will my intervention be justified?
Han-Yeol, initially uninterested in involving himself in the affairs of South Korea, preferred to focus on his own well-being. His belief centered on fulfilling his duty to society and taking care of those around him, thinking that no one could criticize him as long as he did so.
However, this mindset underwent a transformation after living as Harkan for twenty years in the Bastro Dimension. He significantly improved the lives of the Bastrolings as the Dimension Lord, and the satisfaction derived from that experience lingered within him.
But the Bastro dimension and Earth are two different places
This lingering doubt was the main reason for his hesitation.
Thud!
Hmm?
It was then that someone suddenly placed their hand on Han-Yeols shoulder.
T-That is!
Isnt that person?!
The reporters were the first to react even before Han-Yeol managed to look back at the individual. Some people at the funeral looked shocked as they pointed fingers at them.
Hey, hyung-nim!
Hello, Han-Yeol.
Hello, Han-Yeol-nim. Have you fared well?
1. In Korea, there's a saying that emphasizes the need to be cautious about even the smallest details before any significant event.
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