Chapter 20 – Day-1 (3)
Mediale—a union of islands situated precisely at the center of the four great continents.
While there were many other islands of varying sizes scattered between the continents, none boasted the landmass or symbolic significance that Mediale held.
—It’s the most important trading hub in the world! The only place where you can browse and buy specialty goods from all four continents in one spot!
—It’s a melting pot of architecture and cultures, influenced by all four continents. The exotic mix is absolutely beautiful!
—And the terrain! Isn’t it something else? The massive Land Island, surrounded by seven Sea Islands and seven Sky Islands, arranged in perfect harmony—it’s like a dream!
Because of this, Mediale had gained fame as the place people most wanted to visit at least once before they died.
—Still, the most famous attraction in Mediale is definitely the World Hunter Association Headquarters!
Built in the modern architectural style of the Western Continent, the World Hunter Association Headquarters was eye-catching. But as a restricted facility off-limits to the general public, it didn’t gain much popular attention.
That is… until five years ago.
—Wait, are you saying the one protecting Mediale is him?!
Ever since the news broke that the fifth Special-Class Hunter, Elwin Krieger, resided in Mediale…
Interest in the place exploded.
—D-do you think we could actually see him if we went to Mediale?
—What kind of person is he, really…? If I could just see him once, I’d die happy!
—I’ll uncover his secrets if it’s the last thing I do! I swear it on Grandpa’s name!
Already globally renowned, the World Hunter Association Headquarters became an even greater magnet for attention—an international landmark everyone wanted to visit at least once.
And all because of one reason—
—Special-Class Hunters have a duty to protect one of the continents.
That obligation was the root of the issue.
Up to now, there hadn’t been a problem.
Special-Class Hunters were so rare that only one or two would appear per generation.
But this generation was different.
This time, there were five.
—But… the four continents are already assigned, right?
Each continent already had its own Special-Class Hunter.
To assign two to a single continent would be unfair—and politically explosive.
—If we send an extra to one country, the rest of the nations will protest.
—So what should we do? Which continent currently has the highest demon spawn rate?
As debates raged on within the Association…
—Excuse me, I have an idea. Would you mind hearing me out?
The very subject of all this controversy—Elwin—made a proposal.
—What if I stay in Mediale?
—Mediale?
—Yes. Officially, I’ll be announced as stationed at HQ. But when emergencies or special circumstances arise, I’ll deploy covertly. Personally.
The executives' eyes widened.
Why hadn’t they thought of that? It was a brilliant idea.
—The other Special-Class Hunters are deterrents. I want to play a more active role.
“I want to protect people.”
The belief he inherited from Noel lived on in Elwin—but he had another, far more personal goal.
—I don’t mind handling cases too difficult for regular Hunters. Or serving as a specialized operative.
Because of this, being tied down to one continent, like the other Special-Class Hunters, would never work.
He needed the freedom to move—and the credibility to justify it.
—If we coordinate with local Hunters from each continent, and ensure timely intel sharing and combat support… This could be a highly effective solution. So, which nations would you cover?
—All of them. Any nation on any continent.
It was groundwork—laid for a single goal.
—Nationality, race, gender, age… none of that matters. Every single life has worth, and is precious, don’t you think?
—O-of course! What a noble sentiment…!
And so, the fifth Special-Class Hunter, Elwin Krieger, officially took up residence in Mediale.
The Association’s executives wholeheartedly backed the decision.
Soon, through Hunter networks, quiet rumors began to spread—
"The fifth Special-Class Hunter values all lives equally."
Like a drop of dark ink in clear water—slow, but unmistakably seeping outward.
“…”
Who could’ve imagined…
That all of this had come from the mind of a 15-year-old boy?
That it was just a calculated setup, for a single purpose?
—
‘…Are you truly going through with this, Elwin?’
Pan Tveron sipped tea as he sat on the office sofa, giving Elwin a conflicted look.
Elwin stood by the wide-open window, gazing outside.
“Wow. What’s all that? There’s a crowd of civilians around HQ…”
They were currently on the top floor of the World Hunter Association Headquarters—Pan’s personal office.
“I saw it from the airship, too. Tons of academy students came to spectate the exam. A wave of navy blue uniforms.”
The Rusram Academy uniform was navy.
“And lots of people came just to visit Mediale during the exam, right?”
“Yeah. The capacity hasn’t changed, so the numbers are the same as usual. Tch! It’s all your fault!”
Pan’s calm voice suddenly rose as he slammed his teacup down.
His bushy eyebrows twisted sharply—he was clearly annoyed.
“Elwin, it’s because you’re not just any Hunter—you’re a Special-Class one. And you insisted on shrouding yourself in mystery! If you had shown your face like your mentor, you wouldn’t be attracting this much attention!”
“Well…”
Click.
Elwin took a sip of his tea.
“I didn’t expect it to blow up like this.”
He gave an awkward smile.
“I didn’t think people would go this wild over me, especially in a world where even simple communication and travel are difficult.”
“…What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Nothing. Don’t worry about it.”
There was Nexion, a communication device similar to a cellphone—but only Hunters had access to it.
Ordinary people rarely even saw one.
The commercialized versions—short-range magic communicators and video crystals—were expensive to use.
So even Elwin hadn’t expected this level of public obsession.
‘Still, since it’s come to this, I might as well put the attention to good use.’
Elwin sipped his tea again, smirking.
“You know full well I planned this. Why are you pretending otherwise?”
“…”
“Criminal organizations would’ve gone crazy trying to gather information on me. Better to make it harder for them.”
“Elwin.”
“I can’t have them fleeing before I even get there.”
Elwin covered his mouth with the teacup, grinning wickedly. A chilling smile, like the scent of blood lingered in the air.
“Didn’t I tell you? I staked my life on this.”
His blue eyes turned void and dark.
“…Familia.”
The moment he muttered the cursed name—
WOOOOOM—!
A violent energy radiated from Elwin.
CRACK!
The teacups shattered, spilling their contents.
The couch, table, picture frames—everything in the office creaked and groaned as if screaming.
“Elwin.”
Pan raised an eyebrow.
Even the building itself was starting to tremble.
“Elwin.”
“…”
“Elwin Krieger!”
Pan’s roar snapped him out of it. Light returned to Elwin’s blue eyes.
“Tone it down! I told you not to let your guard down and always watch your surroundings!”
“Ah… aah! Sorry, Pan! I lost control for a second. Are you okay?”
“Do I look okay?”
Elwin scratched the back of his head sheepishly as Pan scoffed.
“Really… I’m sorry. Bill me for any broken furniture or decorations.”
“It’s fine. It’s just stuff.”
Though Pan appeared unfazed, his neck was drenched in sweat.
‘That sting…’
He’d once been an active Hunter himself.
But even he couldn’t fully endure a Special-Class Hunter’s killing intent.
‘This brat… he’s gotten even stronger over the past year. Was it because of “her”?’
Elwin had spent the last year training in the Eastern Continent.
In between missions, he focused on honing his abilities.
‘…So he’s serious about this.’
Pan had already known.
—Pan. When I turn twenty, I’m going to begin. I’ll erase that damned Familia from this world.
He wanted to stop him, knowing the path would be soaked in thorns.
But Elwin must’ve anticipated that. He was subtly showcasing his growth.
‘Don’t worry. I will win.’
That was the unspoken message. Likely, even that earlier surge had been deliberate.
‘You little schemer… Noel was never this manipulative.’
Where had he picked up such bad habits?
Pan sighed internally.
“After this year’s exam, I’m planning to ban entry to the island. That’ll give you more freedom to move, won’t it?”
“‘More freedom’? That’s harsh.”
Elwin feigned a pout—then grinned.
“But… Thank you. You’re looking out for me, aren’t you?”
“Hmph! Think whatever you want!”
Pan cleared his throat, then shifted the subject.
“By the way, that Gale guy. He seems like a good one.”
“Right?”
“You’re a lot like Noel, so I worried you’d get scammed or something.”
“…Do you really trust me that little? I’m not that naïve.”
If Noel were alive, he’d probably sulk hearing such swift denial.
“Elwin. That order you secretly gave Nahrhan on the day you arrived… Was it about this?”
“Oh? You caught on, Pan?”
“Hmph! What do you take me for? I’ve been Chairman over 30 years! I’ve seen everything!”
He scoffed again.
“You think I don’t know your schemes? I raised you for ten years.”
“Yeah, yeah.”
Elwin chuckled, almost sheepishly.
“It’s nothing major. Just laying some groundwork.”
“Groundwork?”
“Come on. You didn’t think I’d stop at just Gale, did you? You can’t even form a proper squad with three people.”
“Well, that’s true.”
Pan nodded.
“I thought it’d be nice if they got along, so I created an opportunity. I’m planning to bring in some other candidates I’ve had my eye on.”
“There someone in Mediale you like? Among the Hunter applicants?”
“…Let’s save that as a surprise. You’ll find out soon anyway.”
Elwin stood from his seat.
“Heading out?”
“Yes, time to get ready.”
He smirked.
“To serve as tomorrow’s… ‘secret examiner’ for the Hunter Exam.”
He was already looking forward to seeing their reactions when his identity was revealed.