Chapter 78: Amongst Men, Kim Ji-Hee; Amongst Horses, Mandong (2)
There was an Awakened in South Korea who, upon awakening, received an ability called Warp, allowing him to move through space. After realizing its immense value, he immediately publicized it along with a personal policy. "I have no intention of joining any organization. Not the nation, or the Association, or any of the guilds. I won't allow myself to be tied down like that."
"However, I will allow anyone to use it, so long as they pay the fee. It doesn't matter who I lend my skill to. If you want to criticize me for doing this, feel free. However, the moment anyone tries to monopolize my ability, I will leave South Korea. If the United States can guarantee my safety and freedom, I'll move there. If China can guarantee it, I'll move there."
As such, neither the Association nor the government tried to forcefully recruit him. The moment that he felt his freedom was being oppressed, he would leave for another country, and South Korea would end up losing an extremely valuable Awakened.
Even the Awakened criminals didn't try to do anything to control him. Since they could make use of his teleportation skill at any time for a price, there was no need to risk offending him.
***
A team of Hunters from the Hunters Association, fresh off clearing a B-Class Gate, spotted a man yawning loudly and fiddling with his smartphone.
When they approached him, the man looked up from his smartphone. "Oh! The big spenders[1] are here."
The leader of the Hunter team struggled to be polite. "We'll be counting on you."
"Yes, yes. Given the circumstances, I'm offering you a 30% discount this time as well," the man said with a smile.
One of the members of the Hunter Team unconsciously clenched his fist in anger. Even with such a bargain, his fee was still a considerable amount. Furthermore, he was clearly raking it in, offering his services to Hunters and Awakened criminals alike.
The leader let out an annoyed sigh. Despite the high toll, he had to transport his team to a C-Class Gate, where some unexpected variables had reportedly sprung up. "Well then, let's—"
Bzzz, bzzz.