After the ridiculous fight earlier, I finally managed to take a deep breath as I walked out of the arena. The cheers and applause from the audience still echoed in my ears.
Who would've thought I could get through without a scratch? I really can't understand how all of this happened. Of course, I know the answer: it must be due to my ridiculous luck. The problem is... everyone keeps thinking I'm a powerful S-Rank Hunter.
"Kim Do-yun-nim! Please look over here!" shouted one of the reporters waiting for me at the exit.
The camera flashes went off one after another, blinding me. I could only raise my hand to shield my face. Why are they always so excited about my business? I just want to live peacefully…
"How do you feel after defeating Hiroshi Tanaka with that incredible finishing move?" asked a female reporter who practically shoved her microphone into my face.
What the hell... finishing move?!
I forced a smile. "Uh… well, I just did my best," I answered casually.
Honestly, I didn't even know what was going on back there! If they found out I just tripped over a rock, they might be disappointed... or maybe even more amazed? Ah, whatever.
"Do you have any special strategy for the next round?" asked another reporter.
Their faces were filled with hope, as if I were some kind of tactical genius always ready with a brilliant plan.
"Strategy? Oh, of course…" I replied, scrambling for a quick answer. Strategy? Oh, god, I don't even know who my next opponent is! "The key is just to stay focused and… uh, make sure not to let my guard down," I added with an even stiffer smile.
The reporters seemed satisfied with my half-assed answer, and soon I was ushered by the tournament staff into the resting area. After successfully escaping the swarm of journalists, I finally managed to sit on a plush sofa in the lounge. I stretched out, feeling the tension in my muscles from the bizarre fight.
In the same room, the atmosphere was tense. Other Hunters participating in the tournament started to take me more seriously. Lee Ji-hoon, an S-Rank Hunter from Korea famous for his speed and strength, was watching the replay of my fight with an incredulous expression.
"What the hell is this? The guy didn't even throw a single attack…" Ji-hoon muttered, frowning. "But how did he beat Hiroshi? This makes no sense."
Beside him, Alice Greenwood, an S-Rank Hunter from the UK, nodded.
"I heard he has a strange power. Even monsters can die just by being near him. Maybe that's why he's known as 'The Reaper.'"
"The Reaper?" Ji-hoon scoffed. "Well, in the next round, I'll make sure he can't win. I'll face him with everything I've got."
Back in the lounge, I started feeling hungry.
"Ugh, I really need food after that crazy fight," I mumbled, looking around for a snack. But before I could get up, a staff member entered the room with a panicked expression.
"Kim Do-yun-nim! You're being requested to come to the meeting room by the Hunter Association!" he said urgently.
"Eh? What now?" I asked, confused. But of course, I didn't have a choice but to follow him. Oh god, please don't tell me they want me to fight again today…
I walked behind the staff member toward the meeting room, trying to calm my thoughts. Along the corridor, I could feel the admiring gazes of the other Hunters and staff. They whispered among themselves every time I passed by, and I was sure most of it was strange speculations about my abilities.
"Damn it… Can they stop thinking weird things about me?" I thought to myself.
When I reached the meeting room, I saw several senior officials from the Hunter Association waiting for me there. One of them was Park Ji-hye, the head of the Korean branch of the Hunter Association. The stern-looking woman with black hair observed me with an appraising look.
"Kim Do-yun-nim," Ji-hye greeted me with a slight smile. "We were impressed by your performance today. Truly remarkable."
"Ah, thank you… eh, I was just lucky," I replied with a smile.
Ji-hye chuckled softly. "You're too modest. We all know you're hiding your true abilities. Even Hiroshi Tanaka, the strongest Hunter from Japan, couldn't match you."
Oh, god, they actually believe I have amazing powers! Should I just tell them the truth? I wondered. But if I said I was just a regular guy, they might laugh at me… or worse, they'd think I was tricking them!
"There's something we'd like to discuss with you," Ji-hye continued, folding her arms in front of her. "This tournament isn't just for entertainment. We're testing the Hunters to select the best for an upcoming mission: facing an S-Class Gate that just appeared."
My eyes widened. "An S-Class Gate?" I asked, trying to sound interested. Inside, though, I was already panicking. Oh no, why do I always end up in dangerous situations like this?!
Ji-hye nodded. "Yes, and we'd like to request your help. We believe that with your abilities, this mission would be much easier."
I could only smile and nod slightly. Oh god, how am I going to get out of this without risking my life?
"Are you willing to help us?" Ji-hye asked, looking at me hopefully.
"Uh, of course… of course," I replied with a forced smile.
Damn it, Do-yun, why does your mouth always move faster than your brain?!
Ji-hye seemed pleased with my answer. "Alright, we'll provide the mission details once the tournament is over. Thank you for your cooperation."
After leaving the meeting room, I slowly walked down the corridor of the Association building. Thoughts about that S-Class Gate kept swirling in my head.
I felt like my head was going to explode. How could I, a guy without any special abilities at all, be stuck in a crazy situation like this?
But of course, the senior officials at the Association already had high hopes for me. They probably think I'm some kind of war god in a novel with a title like "Heavenly Heavenly" or something.
Ah… how can I get out of this mess without making myself look like a coward? If I refuse, they'll definitely get suspicious. But if I go along with it, my life could be on the line! Why is my luck always this shitty?
As I walked aimlessly, I ran into Seo Joon-seok, a well-known A-Rank Hunter. He had short black hair and a slightly arrogant attitude. His gaze sharpened when he saw me.
"Kim Do-yun, I heard you were chosen by the Association for the S-Class Gate mission," he said with a sneer. "You must be really confident, huh?"
I could only force a stiff smile.
"Ah, it's not like that... I just, uh, followed directions," I replied.
Joon-seok chuckled, crossing his arms. "Don't be so modest, Do-yun. Everyone knows you're one of the strongest Hunters around. Even Hiroshi from Japan couldn't stand a chance against you. Don't be too humble; it only makes you look even more terrifying."
My God, why does everyone keep thinking I'm some sort of powerful monster? I'm just trying to survive here!
I forced a laugh. "Haha, yeah... something like that. Uh, I need to get to the rest area. See you around, Joon-seok."
Once I managed to get away from Joon-seok, I let out a long sigh. Why does everyone love blowing things out of proportion? If only they knew I don't even have any real combat skills!
When I reached the rest area, I sat down on a chair near the window, placing my hand on my chest, trying to calm my still-racing heart. The room was relatively quiet now since most of the tournament participants were either in the arena or watching the matches. I grabbed a bottle of water and took a long drink.
But, before I could finally relax, the door opened again. This time, Park Min-ji, one of the event staff who often helped me out, came in hurriedly.
"Do-yun-nim! There's something I need to tell you," she said, panting. "The next match is about to begin, and they want you to attend as a guest of honor in the audience."
"Guest of honor?" I frowned.
Why am I the center of attention again? Can't they find someone else?
Min-ji nodded quickly. "Yes! The audience is very enthusiastic after seeing you in the arena, so the Association wants to take advantage of this moment to boost the tournament's popularity."
I could only nod weakly.
"Alright, I'll head over. Please let them know... I'll be there in a minute."
Once Min-ji left, I leaned back in my chair, staring up at the ceiling. Am I a Hunter or a celebrity? Why do I feel busier than a K-pop idol?
In the arena, the atmosphere was electric. The upcoming match was between Lucas Richter, an S-Rank Hunter from Germany known for his incredible physical strength, and Zhao Li, an S-Rank Hunter from China with deadly fire magic abilities. The stands were filled with cheers, while the commentators couldn't stop praising the two Hunters.
I made my way to the special seat reserved for me in the front row. As soon as I appeared, all eyes in the audience turned toward me. Oh no, why are they all looking at me like I'm the main character in some grand historical drama?
I tried to sit quietly, hiding my face under my hat. But of course, the audience still kept chanting my name.
"Kim Do-yun! Look over here!" shouted one fan, holding up a large poster of my face (where did he even get that picture?).
Oh God… are they going to keep this up? I don't even know what I'm supposed to do here besides sit and watch!
The fight in the arena heated up. Lucas and Zhao faced each other, their eyes filled with intense determination.
Lucas made the first move, leaping forward with astonishing speed, his fist slicing through the air and creating a powerful gust. But Zhao was quick to respond. With a wave of his hand, he summoned a massive fireball, burning bright and ready to blast his opponent.
Wow, this fight is seriously intense, I thought as I watched from my seat. If I were in their place, I'd probably be running for my life!
Lucas dodged Zhao's fireball with an agile jump, but the flames didn't disappear. Zhao controlled them with a flick of his hand, making the fireball chase after Lucas like a hungry predator.
The crowd roared in awe as Lucas unleashed a rapid-fire punch technique, shattering the fireball. Zhao looked surprised, but he quickly responded by summoning even more flames, forming a giant fire dragon that roared towards Lucas.
"Unbelievable! Zhao Li is truly showing his lethal fire magic skills!" the commentator exclaimed into the microphone.
I frowned, watching how intense their battle was. Why are S-Rank Hunter fights always like this? Like scenes straight out of a Hollywood action movie! If I had to face them, I'd be toast by now!
Just as Zhao's fire dragon was about to reach Lucas, a massive ice wall appeared out of nowhere, blocking the attack. The crowd cheered even louder.
"Is that Lucas's hidden ability?!" one commentator gasped in amazement.
However, it turned out that a new Hunter had just jumped into the arena. It was Anna Volkova, an S-Rank Hunter from Russia, famous for her legendary ice abilities.
Apparently, this tournament wasn't just a contest of strength between two Hunters but also a chance for them to show off their incredible abilities and display their remarkable powers.
Oh God, am I supposed to get involved in this chaos? No, no, no. Do-yun, just keep a low profile. Stick to being a spectator, yeah?