LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 31 - The Failed Party 2
Chapter 31: The Failed Party 1
Following the man with a metal lower jaw, I arrived at a room designed to host VIPs.
Luxurious chairs filled the space, and a clockwork fish tank rotated nearby, while one side displayed modular blades that looked like samples of Hunter weapons.
“It is an honor to meet an Ultima-class Returnee. My name is Bronte. I head the 11th Outer Wall Exploration Agency.”
“Alice, I’m a Returnee.”
After giving a brief introduction, Bronte gestured for me to take a seat.
Shortly after, female employees in formal suits, who had been at the central desk earlier, brought simple tea and refreshments.
“Please forgive the earlier rudeness of the staff. The individual is a new recruit and wasn’t well-prepared for an Ultima-class Returnee visiting us, something unprecedented here. The responsibility lies entirely with me. If it caused you any discomfort, I will personally ensure your satisfaction going forward.”
The earlier staff?
Ah, he must mean the woman who mistook me for a lost child and tried to send me out.
“It’s fine. Don’t be too hard on her—I’m fully aware of how I look.”
“Thank you for your understanding.”
In truth, it wasn’t a significant offense.
From her perspective, seeing a young girl at a Hunter institution, her decision to act was reasonable.
I actually liked this Bronte fellow.
It’s rare to find a superior who willingly takes responsibility for a subordinate’s mistakes and bows their head.
“Thanks, but I’m a complete rookie here. I don’t have any proven achievements, so there’s nothing I can offer even if you praise me like this.”
“No problem. Regardless of achievements, our agency sincerely welcomes your visit. And since you’ve come here, isn’t it to become a Hunter?”
“That’s right.”
“Understood. Then let’s proceed.”
With a snap of his fingers, Bronte summoned a holographic document onto the table.
“This is the Hunter Contract exclusively for Returnees. Review each clause, and upon signing, you will officially be a Hunter certified by our agency.”
“…That’s fast. Shouldn’t there be a skill test or something where I beat someone up to prove myself?”
“For anyone else, perhaps. But for an Ultima-class Returnee, such formalities would be a waste of time.”
Well, he’s not wrong.
While it was kept under wraps, I had taken down a True Ancestor at the Barrier Agency.
Besides, my body demands that I conserve energy.
Switching into combat mode consumes massive resources, regardless of the opponent’s strength, so agreeing to this is in my best interest.
“However, a Returnee’s rank will be determined by achievements.”
“Achievements?”
“Becoming a Hunter isn’t restricted to Awakened individuals. Many achieve it by substituting parts of their bodies with mechanical components, using powerful weapons, employing strategy, or relying on pure physical skill.”
“Oh, so innate abilities don’t determine rank then.”
“Correct. Without a test, one’s abilities must ultimately be proven through results. Even those born with extraordinary power can lose focus for a moment and fall victim to a Goblin ambush, ending up as breeding stock.”
Uh…
Does that mean there’s someone like a Goblin Slayer here?
Judging by Bronte’s explanation, there could be.
“For citizens of Ark who wish to become Hunters, the process is straightforward. If they wish to advance their rank, they just need to bring results. Returnees, however, are a different matter entirely—they tend to have a troublesome rebellious streak.”
“Oh, so there are quite a few Returnees besides me?”
“Not an overwhelming number, but they’re not exactly rare either. Anyone lost in a Calamity is considered a potential Returnee.”
Well, stories like that are common in novels.
The cliché of someone returning from another world, retaining their powers, and living triumphantly in reality isn’t exactly new.
“Many Returnees come back with their powers intact. However, they often succumb to their egotism, seeing themselves as the protagonist of the world, and meet a disastrous end. The funniest case I encountered was a Returnee rambling about ‘original storylines’ and ‘clichés.’”
“Original… storylines…”
Ah.
So, a Returnee who thought this world was a game or novel.
“But even if there were an original storyline, what difference would it make? Even if this world is a game, as they claim, this is our reality. How could we expect someone to improve when they live like it’s a game instead of confronting reality?”
“Sounds like perceptions of Returnees aren’t great around here.”
“It’s only a handful of extreme cases. For example, one Returnee seeking a ‘satisfying route’ caused a scene, demanding the highest rank the moment he walked in. When Executors were called to handle him, he swung a blade, yelling that they shouldn’t dare touch him. He was somewhat strong, but ultimately, a passing First-Class Overseer beat him senseless and dragged him away.”
This world isn’t kind to such Returnees.
Even I encountered a Scrap Dragon that could spew thousands of tons of molten steel.
Carelessness here could cost the lives of First-Class Overseers or S-class Hunters—and I’m no exception.
From the True Ancestor Virus I faced at the Barrier Agency to the bizarre disasters everywhere, the only reason I’m still alive is because my body can absorb molten metal and drain True Ancestor blood.
Bronte must’ve had his share of bad experiences with Returnees.
After all, the 11th Outer Wall Exploration Agency receives the most Hunter requests outside of the Barrier Agency.
Naturally, all sorts of people would gather here, including Returnees.
“I’m sorry; I keep getting worked up. But while other Returnees are unpredictable, an Ultima-class Returnee can be trusted without question.”
“…Is that really such a big deal?”
“It’s not just extraordinary. It’s proof of not only your skills but also your ability to integrate into Ark, recognized by the Administrator for your potential. Perhaps you’re unaware, but everyone who has received the Ultima classification in Ark has gone on to become figures of historical significance. As a Returnee certified by the Barrier Agency, your future is incredibly promising!”
Bronte stood abruptly and spread his arms wide, almost as if in reverence.
“I assure you! Within a few years, you’ll accomplish feats worthy of being recorded in history books. If not that, it’s only natural for you to at least become a First-Class Overseer or an S-class Hunter…! Ah, ahem, my apologies. I got a bit carried away.”
Bronte cleared his throat and continued speaking.
“In any case, I firmly believe this will be the case for both you and me.”
As Oriana had mentioned before, any Returnee awarded the Ultima rank invariably left a significant mark on Ark.
Some became Administrators, others sparked innovation within the city, or defeated Calamities and continued to wield great influence.
With First-Class Overseer or S-class Hunter status being the baseline, it’s clear why Bronte is so enthusiastic.
By recruiting me as a Hunter, my achievements would naturally become part of his.
‘So, if I sign this, I’ll officially become a Hunter…’
Leaving the excited Bronte to himself, I quietly examined the holographic document.
To be honest, I didn’t really understand what it said.
Though I could read it, my current mental capacity didn’t lend itself well to comprehending legal or contractual clauses.
‘Theresa.’
【Yes.】
‘Is there anything strange in these clauses? Anything that would stab me in the back or put me at a disadvantage?’
【-Checking.】
【Disadvantageous Clause】
【Unreasonable Clause】
【Ambiguous Clause】
【-None.】
【The clauses themselves present no issues. The only minor hurdle is the requirement for Hunters to fulfill their duties during Ark’s times of crisis.】
‘Hunter duties?’
【It means protecting people. It was written in the Barrier Agency’s guidelines. Did you not see it?】
I hadn’t noticed.
Protecting people as part of Hunter duties didn’t seem too challenging, though.
In this life, I wasn’t a Demon King or an evil being.
Even though my body is android, I still possess human intellect and emotions, striving to live as a person.
There’s no need for a reason to justify people protecting people.
“Here.”
I casually signed the holographic document in the designated area.
“Congratulations! As of this moment, the Outer Wall Exploration Agency officially certifies your status as a Hunter.”
“So, what now?”
“Usually, Hunters form parties or tackle dungeons to build their achievements.”
“Ah, then I’ll head straight to a dungeon…”
“However, I personally recommend forming a party.”
Bronte sent the holographic signature file somewhere, likely through email, as he spoke.
“As a Returnee, even if you are confident in your strength, you may lack knowledge of this world—especially regarding the dungeons and Gates in Ark, their ecosystems, monsters, and the unique traits of various Calamities. Forming a party not only helps protect you from unforeseen dangers but also allows you to learn from your teammates.”
Bronte went on to explain the process of forming a party, handling monster by-products, dungeon rewards, and establishing daily routines for hunting days.
He emphasized that planning separate expedition and return routes is essential when venturing beyond the Outer Wall.
It’s not as simple as hunting monsters and calling it a day.
“Hm.”
I understood what Bronte was saying.
Even though I defeated the Scrap Dragon and the True Ancestor, those victories were due more to luck and circumstantial advantages than sheer power.
Each encounter drained my body’s energy reserves to their limits.
If I went into a dungeon lightly and encountered an unexpected monster or a formidable opponent, I’d inevitably have to expend additional energy.
Should I reach a point where my energy reserves ran out, I’d need someone capable of carrying me back to the city.
Considering Theresa’s Emergency System wouldn’t be operational for at least another month, there’s always the nonzero possibility of running out of energy in a Goblin cave and becoming their toy, never to wake again.
“Got it. I’ll think about it.”
Originally, I planned to tackle dungeons solo, but I changed my mind.
Right.
Since I’ve come this far, I might as well experience what it’s like to be part of a Hunter party.
They’re professional Hunters, and their livelihood depends on their reputation for reliability, so I trust they won’t judge or underestimate me based solely on my appearance.
‘No way anyone would start plotting betrayal or deception just because they see a kid, right?’
This isn’t one of those dark novels where the protagonist gets backstabbed by their party from the start.
Betrayal or ulterior motives among party members can’t be that common.
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
Jinhyung was a Returnee.
Long ago, he was swept away by a Calamity and fell into another world, one resembling a game world, where he built a life for himself.
At first, he was confused and disoriented, but by monopolizing elements called hidden pieces, including a status window, he quickly became powerful.
Without putting in much effort, he grew stronger just by acquiring hidden pieces, became healthier, and turned the tables on those who had looked down on him in reality.
Beautiful women flocked to the strong, and nobles and influential figures fawned over him.
With strength, a prosperous, peaceful life made it feel like the entire world revolved around him.
But one day, he suddenly found himself in Ark.
Though he was shocked at losing everything he had achieved, including his women, in an instant, he soon realized that, like before, he had fallen into a new world.
However, he was left utterly dejected.
In the previous world, just equipping gear made him stronger, and he could wield all sorts of magical and weapon skills, but this world was excessively realistic.
The magical sword he frequently used, renowned for its destructive power, was too heavy to wield.
The impressive armor and cape he always wore were inconvenient and unbearably heavy.
In the previous world, even without training his body, he could easily wear armor and run all day without breaking a sweat, but now, with a body almost devoid of muscle, he struggled to swing even a longsword.
“This is… This is way too realistic!”
Still, this world was a game.
After all, Jinhyung had a status window visible only to him, along with a system similar to the one from before.
This city called Ark—or perhaps it was a game or novel world—was one where humanity was driven together by monsters and Calamities.
If this wasn’t a game or novel, then what was it?
With a status window, it made more sense to think of it as a game.
He even considered the possibility that some godlike entity, deeming the previous world unnecessary for him after achieving perfect peace there, had sent him here.
“But this nerfing is just too much… Mana seems to work fine, but to think I can’t even run in armor…!”
It wasn’t physically possible to run in heavy armor with an untrained, weak body, but Jinhyung found it harder to adapt to this reality, having lived in a world where it was possible.
If any other Ark residents heard him, they’d say, “Oh, another Returnee whining. If you want to wear armor, train your body, get enhancement surgery, or implant mechanical parts.”
“Well, I guess I just have to become strong again and bring peace to this world too?”
Thus, Jinhyung looked for the easiest job available to a Returnee without any connections.
Hunter.
It was a profession similar to adventuring or mercenary work, as long as you had the strength.
But even this wasn’t easy.
Where he used to cut down hundreds of Goblins with a single swing, now he could barely manage to defeat one in hand-to-hand combat.
Fighting just three at once made survival uncertain, and his magic, though still usable, required complex formulas and mana calculations, making it unusable in the heat of battle.
“Damn it! In the game, all I had to do was shout ‘Fireball,’ and it worked! Here, I have to draw magic circles I don’t even remember!”
He thought back to his lover, who praised his powerful magic.
The busty knight who taught him sword skills.
The mage tower’s beautiful girl who shared her magic skill points with him.
Thinking of them made him melancholic.
He was saddened not only because he could no longer see them but also because of how pathetically weak he had become and how he struggled to even pay a month’s rent.
In his current state, Jinhyung couldn’t even defeat Executors patrolling the streets, let alone a First-Class Overseer.
So, he decided…
To take an easy and fast route.
“Anyone heading to the Soul Factory?”
“The Lacoste family put out a request for the Clothing Swamp! Looking for a frontline member!”
“Me! Me!”
At the Outer Wall Exploration Agency, where Hunters gathered in droves,
Jinhyung became a Hunter, regularly finding parties and clearing dungeons.
He chose party-based requests because they were more challenging, paid better, and the party members’ skills were typically reliable.
However, his purpose for joining parties wasn’t just to clear dungeons.
‘Should I pick that guy today? No, the way he’s been looking at me lately is strange. He might have caught on…’
Jinhyung’s true goal wasn’t completing requests but killing his party members.
Specifically, ambushing and killing them after completing the request allowed him to absorb some of their skills and abilities.
It was like gaining experience points from killing monsters.
At the Exploration Agency, he could always claim a party member died from a monster attack or that a teammate attacked him over rewards.
The dead couldn’t speak, and such incidents weren’t unheard of.
“Thanks to that, I can now wear plate armor and a cape while running without issue. If I grow a bit more, I can leave this wretched place and live like I used to in Ark’s core!”
Of course, he felt a little bad about the party members he betrayed and killed, but that only bothered him at first.
Now, he felt no more guilt than if he had killed NPCs.
While scouting for his next prey, Jinhyung noticed a girl.
“…Whoa.”
The girl, seemingly new to the agency, was wandering around curiously, her wide eyes sparkling as she looked around.
Hanging from her neck was a Hunter badge labeled “Alice.”
No, she didn’t just catch his eye.
How could anyone pass by such a doll-like girl with perfect white hair?
Though the agency was full of people, including beautiful guides, this girl’s presence outshone them all.
Her simple, common suit couldn’t hide her delicate figure, white hair, and a face that seemed like it was sculpted from fine glass.
“Alice… Even her name is beautiful… Ah…”
Caught in a dreamlike fantasy, Jinhyung had a thought.
This girl was…
“This girl is my destined lover in this world!”
If Alice knew, she’d probably use a chainsaw to grind his reproductive organs to dust.