"DFN…?"
Castorice had actually heard that term once before, but it still felt rather unfamiliar to her.
Choi Jong-In, assuming she wasn't very familiar with the guilds from the DFN side, helpfully explained, "The Draw Sword Guild is considered the second-largest guild in Asia."
"The one at the front is their Guild Master, Goto Ryuji. Legend has it he's the only hunter in Asia who can rival the Seven-Star Hunter Liu Zhigang from China."
As for China, Castorice was actually pretty familiar with it.
But judging from the context, DFN was probably this world's Hunter Association of Japan?
As for why a Hunter Association could order a guild to provide support… well, that was actually the norm. It was just that the Korean Association didn't have the ability to control its guilds.
Go Gunhee was simply too old in the end.
While Castorice was observing the scene below, the Japanese hunters down there, having finished watching the fight between Baek Yoon-ho and Ma Dongwook, were also sizing up those on the upper level.
Goto Ryuji's expression was usually one of calm authority, but now his brow was deeply furrowed as he scrutinized Castorice's direction.
"That girl with the purple hair… who is she?"
Gotō glanced at his assistant beside him.
"That's one of the recently promoted S-Rank hunters, Castorice. She's not a native Korean hunter. She registered there while studying abroad," the assistant replied, having naturally gathered all the necessary intel on Korea.
"In fact, there's another S-Rank who registered not long after Castorice. It seems they became S-Rank after a second awakening, but information is scarce."
"A second awakening? That sounds interesting."
"And 'Castorice'—is that her codename? Not her real name, right? Oh, could it be a Korean name she chose for herself?"
"She's really cute-looking. Just don't know how strong she is."
"The standard of Korean hunters, huh?"
The chatter of his companions rose and fell around him, but none of it really registered in his ears.
Gotō had no interest in the latter hunter the assistant mentioned.
Watching Castorice's figure, he only felt an immense pressure continuously bearing down on him—a sense of oppression filled with an indescribable aura that he hadn't felt in a very long time.
Could it be… this girl was on the same level as them?
Images of those National-Level Hunters from a few countries flashed through Goto Ryuji's mind.
Sensing a gaze lingering on her for too long, Castorice turned her head in puzzlement toward the source.
Seeing her look back, Gotō realized he had been staring for an excessively long time. He composed his face, gave a polite nod, and then averted his eyes.
"What is her ability? Is she also part of this operation?"
Gotō looked to his assistant again.
"According to our investigation, Castorice's ability is related to death. Touching her, or even getting too close, can cause death due to her power."
"That's why she generally doesn't operate in crowded places and has never joined any guild," the assistant explained, unsure why Gotō, as Japan's strongest hunter, was suddenly so interested in a newcomer, but he did his duty.
"Based on the intelligence, she is also a member of this strike team."
"An ability related to death?"
Not just Gotō, but everyone present felt a flicker of curiosity at that description.
"Sounds a bit sinister."
"Well, she's not a Korean hunter, so it's normal for the level to be different, right?"
They were speaking in Japanese, but in this setting, there were certainly people who could understand.
Their repeated disparaging remarks about Korea naturally provoked dissatisfaction among the Koreans present.
"Hey, don't you think you're going a bit too far?"
While conversations were happening below, those above weren't idle either.
After receiving a detailed rundown from Choi Jong-In on the state of Japanese hunters, and incidentally hearing about China's unique hunter system, Castorice finally gained a clearer understanding of other countries' situations.
Although her Underworld wasn't limited to Korea but encompassed the entire world, she'd never paid much attention to these details, and Sung Jinwoo wouldn't specifically bring them up to talk about either.
After all, for both of them, these were things they'd learn about if interested, and it didn't matter if they didn't.
Just as Castorice was half-heartedly absorbing this info-dump, the sounds of conflict below noticeably grew louder.
After exchanging a glance, the three of them walked down the stairs together to join the others. Upon arriving, they heard the hitherto silent Goto Ryuji speak up.
"Since both sides seem so energetic, why not have a friendly match?"
This had been his plan all along. To execute the DFN's strategy, understanding the strength of the Korean hunters was necessary.
Go Gunhee felt something was off, but… given the current situation, Gotō's proposal seemed perfectly natural.
It would not only let both sides vent their frustration but also allow the soon-to-be collaborators to get a rough idea of each other's capabilities. In this context, him refusing would seem suspicious.
Then again, thinking that with Castorice present to hold the fort, things couldn't go too badly, he dismissed much of his wariness.
However, to prevent their side from appearing too composed and alerting the DFN, Go Gunhee added, "That's fine. But magic-type hunters, where it's difficult to determine a clear winner, need not participate."
Goto Ryuji and his assistant exchanged a look.
Given their actions and attitudes, it was normal for Korea to sense something was amiss. But without knowing their plan, even Go Gunhee couldn't take any effective precautions.
This move is to avoid exposing the strength of Choi Jong-In, the so-called 'Ultimate Soldier.' No, it probably includes that new S-Rank, Castorice, as well.
But that was irrelevant. It wouldn't affect their plan. That's what the assistant thought.
Gotō was different. Castorice gave him an extremely unsettling feeling, one that could very well make their entire plan fall apart. He had to personally test someone like that.
Though he thought this, he didn't outright refuse. "I have no objections."
"I didn't expect Cha-sunbae to come train so early."
Meanwhile, Castorice had walked over to Cha Hae-in's side.
"Well, Guild Master Choi helped me get leave from school. Can't waste a chance to train all day," Cha Hae-in replied, quite pleased to see Castorice.
She hadn't met Castorice since the day she was saved by her, yet Castorice's figure often appeared in her mind.
Castorice had done her many kindnesses. Even though they hadn't known each other long, she gave Cha Hae-in the feeling of being an 'important person.'
Maybe it was also because, both before and after becoming a hunter, she hadn't really made many friends… The senior who might have become her friend had, because of protecting an immature her…
Watching Cha Hae-in's suddenly somber expression, Castorice was curious about her abrupt emotional shift, but didn't forget the gift she intended to give.
"Cha-sunbae, after training today, could you spare some time?"
"Hmm?"
This seemed to be the first time Castorice had invited her.
The unexpected request pulled Cha Hae-in out of her mood considerably, followed by a faint surge of delight as she nodded. "Okay, I'm free anytime!"
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! Webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.