Chapter 150
It took less than a week to process the complex and difficult procedures needed to make Wei Zhigang and the executives of Flying Dragon City perfect Korean citizens.
Ko Tae-hyeon's efforts didn't end with quickly handling the requested task, which was satisfactory enough.
With the qualities of a seasoned negotiator, Ko Tae-hyeon didn't miss China's vulnerabilities and even secured compensation for the subjugation of the corpse army.
Thanks to this, after distributing amounts to the country, the association, and the hunters who went to support China, a huge sum of 300 billion won, excluding taxes, was deposited as profit for Lee Seongjun.
Perhaps because he had accumulated such enormous wealth in the blink of an eye?
The expenditure also happened in an instant.
Of course, it wasn't extravagant.
"Hmm... These are very demanding conditions."
Jazan, with narrowed eyes, couldn't take his eyes off the document Lee Seongjun had handed over.
"To build a barrier with this level of performance for the entire house, we'll need catalysts like drake bones, troll chieftain's blood, and basilisk scales... The material costs alone will be around 150 billion won."
The materials to be used as catalysts were clearly extraordinary just by hearing them, and their prices would undoubtedly be quite high, but Lee Seongjun didn't hesitate at all.
"As long as the conditions I've specified are met, I don't mind how much it costs."
"From what I hear, you'll mainly be active in Paju due to guild work, yet you're trying to build such a barrier in your Seoul home. You must really cherish your family, huh?"
It was a question that didn't even need thinking about.
For Lee Seongjun, family was more precious than anything else in the world.
Hadn't he actually given up immense power and authority to return to Earth?
"Yes."
"A barrier to protect loved ones... I simply can't refuse this request."
A satisfied smile spreads across Jazan's lips at Lee Seongjun's answer without a moment's hesitation.
"I'll start construction tomorrow."
"Is that alright?"
There were only five top-tier barrier mages in the current world.
Moreover, Jazan was the only one among them who was active externally.
The other four barrier mages had been completely in hiding for the past five years.
In contrast, the world's wealthy and heads of state requesting barrier construction numbered in the hundreds, at a rough estimate.
The demand far outweighed the supply.
In fact, it was said that to commission Jazan for barrier construction, one needed to wait at least a year, and up to five years in some cases.
This meant that countless reservations were already in place.
"There's no reason why it wouldn't be."
As mentioned earlier, there was only one top-tier barrier mage currently active: Jazan.
This meant there was no replaceable personnel.
"If anyone has complaints, they can just cancel their contracts."
Gazing at Lee Seongjun with a confident smile, Jazan spoke again.
"So all you need to do is give consent for the construction to proceed."
Although the timing for barrier construction had become much earlier than expected, there was no reason to refuse.
No, it was rather welcome.
If construction could start right away, he could ensure proper protection for his family before moving to Paju.
"If you tell me the exact construction cost, I'll transfer the funds right away."
"Money? All I need is your consent for the construction to proceed."
"...Then when should I pay the construction costs?"
Jazan shook his head vigorously at Lee Seongjun's question.
"Not necessary."
"What do you mean...?"
"It's exactly as I said, I won't accept payment for the construction."
"...?"
Seeing Lee Seongjun tilting his head, Jazan slowly moved his lips.
"Think of it as paying respects to a hero."
To be precise, he was like a savior or messiah.
In fact, Lee Seongjun's performance in the fight against the corpse army was overwhelming, and he had saved countless people.
Of course, this was just Jazan's perspective.
Given that the construction involved an enormous sum of several hundred billion won just for materials, it was inevitable to feel somewhat burdened to accept it as a simple gesture of goodwill.
"But..."
Lee Seongjun tried to say something more, but Jazan cut him off with a strong tone.
"If you hadn't come to help then, I would have died in Beijing. I owe you my life."
Jazan's gaze fixed on Lee Seongjun's eyes as he spoke.
"Even creatures called beasts recognize and repay those who save their lives, how could I, a sentient being, let this pass without acknowledgment? Please, for the sake of my dignity, just let it be."
Faced with Jazan's earnest gaze, Lee Seongjun couldn't bring himself to say anything more.
Instead, he bowed his head, expressing his feelings.
"Thank you very much."
"I'm the one who's grateful, and thankful."
Jazan's gaze conveyed sincere gratitude as he spoke.
* * *
A week later.
After diligently working on constructing the barrier, to an extent that 'industrious' would be an understatement, Jazan finally completed the barrier Lee Seongjun had requested.
"I guarantee, even if all of Seoul collapses, the people living in this house will be safe."
This wasn't boasting.
The barrier now spread over Lee Seongjun's house was the Thousand Transformations Barrier, a masterpiece-level work.
Not only were all the materials used as catalysts of the highest quality, but as it was created with utmost care by himself, Jazan, a top-tier barrier mage, there were three layers of barriers that even an SSS-rank hunter would struggle to break easily.
Of course, if it were simply a barrier with excellent defensive capabilities, it wouldn't be called a masterpiece.
If the barrier is forcibly broken due to external impact, the internal structure changes into a complex labyrinth.
Moreover, a warp gate is generated in front of family members that can immediately transport them to a designated coordinate, Lee Seongjun's house in Paju.
It had as many as five protective mechanisms in place.
As it was second to none in terms of safety, the Thousand Transformations Barrier was also the one Jazan had spread over his own residence.
"Normally, out of concern for information leakage, I never construct this barrier externally... I'm giving you special treatment because of the debt I owe you and out of admiration. What do you think? Are you satisfied?"
"It's incredibly impressive."
A satisfied smile bloomed on Lee Seongjun's lips.
The barrier had functions beyond what he had imagined.
With this, he could set aside one worry.
However, his family members, including Lee Seoyun, seemed to think it was somewhat excessive.
"It's really amazing and good, but... is this level really necessary? The house itself has built-in protective functions, and there are lots of security personnel around."
It was certainly understandable to think it was an excessive investment.
There would be very few people in the world who would consider surrounding their house with a barrier worth several hundred billion won.
Nevertheless, Lee Seongjun thought this level of protection was necessary.
To be precise, he felt it was rather insufficient.
He had vaguely sensed it instinctively, but the invasion of the corpse army had made him acutely aware of it.
'The current world is too unstable.'
No one could predict what kind of threat might suddenly strike.
In other words, when it comes to safety-related issues, no investment is too much.
However, he couldn't easily convey these situations to his family.
'...I don't want to create unnecessary anxiety about things that haven't happened yet.'
As Lee Seongjun was furrowing his brow, pondering how to explain, Jazan spoke up.
"It might be impolite to interject in a family conversation, but... I don't think this is an excessive investment at all."
Standing at the center of the family, Jazan opened his mouth once again.
"As you know, Hunter Lee Seongjun is currently a global star receiving attention from many people as the most talked-about figure."
Making eye contact with each family member naturally looking at him, Jazan began to speak about what could be considered the main point.
"Of course, while the majority express admiration, not everyone thinks the same way, so some people might view him with twisted thoughts. Since we don't know when, where, or in what form these malicious individuals might pose a threat, it's necessary to be fully prepared. In conclusion, the barrier surrounding the house is also for the safety of Lee Seongjun himself."
After finishing his words, Jazan carefully turned his head and winked at Lee Seongjun.
'I expected it to some extent, but...'
All the previous talk was an action to help him, Lee Seongjun, who looked somewhat embarrassed.
'I have one more thing to be grateful for.'
It was then that Lee Seongjun was also carefully smiling while looking at Jazan.
The family members, who had been mulling over Jazan's words, began to nod and show agreement.
"So in the end... it's for everyone's safety."
"I think we were overthinking it. Thank you for your advice."
"Not at all, I just spoke about the current social position and situation of Hunter Lee Seongjun, who is hailed as a hero, as it is."
Kim Ji-young's face lit up with a bright smile at the praise of her son, which is perhaps the most gratifying thing for parents.
"Hoho, I'm not saying this because he's my son, but he is truly remarkable."
"That's right, I've traveled all over the world and seen countless hunters, but I've never seen anyone with the talent and skill of Hunter Lee Seongjun."
"Is that so?"
"Yes, in fact, although many don't say it, I'm sure many people think similarly to me."
"Hoho, my son is quite exceptional, isn't he?"
It wasn't just Kim Ji-young who agreed with Jazan's words.
Lee Seoyun and Lee Suhyeok were also nodding their heads with identical smiles.
"He did look pretty cool in China this time."
"Haha...! Our son has become incredibly popular!"
Amidst the continuous praise, Lee Seongjun, who was quietly listening to the conversation, was inwardly shaking his head.
'Hearing it directly like this... the feeling is clearly different.'
He had developed some immunity to being revered by people on the internet, complete strangers, or subordinates, as he had experienced it extensively on the Thousand Continents.
But perhaps because he had never been praised by family and acquaintances before?
A feeling of embarrassment began to wash over him.
Feeling his face turning red, Lee Seongjun carefully left his seat, suppressing any signs of his presence.