S-Class Except Me

“What’s citizenship again?”

“It means to naturalize in the United States.”

“Is citizenship just coming out like that? Isn’t it difficult to obtain citizenship in the first place? Isn’t that why illegal immigrants just came out? It’s always like that when I watch dramas?”

“America is basically heroism.”

Seo Dojoon’s expression was calm.

“Originally, it was an S-Class dungeon that could explode soon and overflow with monsters. Haeun-nim erased such a dungeon from the map, so it is inevitable that you’re a coveted talent.”

“Wow, I’m awesome.”

“That’s why I think you should return to Korea even faster.”

“Uhm…”

Haeun scratched her cheek.

She’s surprised that her popularity in the United States is so enthusiastic, but is that still a reason for her to return home quickly?

[The Constellation ‘Mutant of the Abyss’ asks if she’s wandering around for fear of being scolded by Lee Yoonkyung.]

‘No, it’s not.’

She is not delaying her return home because her mother will never scold her. Never!

“Originally, I thought I would go after Soyeon was discharged. So maybe next week?”

“Then you might get caught.”

“To whom?”

“I mean the United States.”

“Ey. But if I say no, they won’t be able to do it.”

“Is that so? This is my opinion, but to capture an EX-class hunter, they may use methods beyond what Haeun imagines, whether it be appeasement or pressure.”

For a moment, she remembered the criminals who were being dragged by the Federal Hunter Investigation Agency, which she only saw in the middle of the day. Haeun wasn’t a criminal, but anyway.

And the righteous American heroes cruelly changed the minds of the criminals who were dragged away.

‘The drama is fun.’

At that time, she thought about it leisurely while eating potato chips—.

Listening to Seo Dojoon, she thought that the drama might not have been just fiction.

“Let’s go back to Korea soon.”

However, Haeun overlooked one fact.

If the United States is a country that returns to heroism, Korea is the country of Kimchi, Park Jisung, Kim Yunah, and BTS, and now Haeun will proudly appear on that list.

*****

Seo Dojoon’s words were not wrong.

That afternoon, the American love call for Haeun began.

The first day she escaped from the dungeon and arrived at the hospital, she didn’t know because she was distracted.

The fact that the outside of the hospital was already a mess with the media, the American Hunter Association, and other organizations that gathered after hearing the news.

It was obvious. It was the first time that an EX-Class grade appeared in the world.

Moreover, as soon as that EX appeared, the troublesome S-Class dungeon was completely wiped off the map. 

It was common knowledge that human power could not remove a dungeon unless the energy level was saturated and exploded on its own.

Therefore, it was best to maintain the situation so that no casualties occurred through regular attacks.

But the dungeon was actually something that could be removed with human power!

For the safety and future of their country, they had to appease and capture her unconditionally.

The first day of hospitalization was at least quiet, as the medical staff blocked outsiders from entering for treatment reasons.

However, on the second day, as Haeun started moving to visit Baek Soyeon’s hospital room, those who were only looking for an opportunity began to act.

The beginning was Haniel Industries.

「Haha! Hunter Jung! Congratulations on your awakening!」

Frederick Haniel, president of Haniel Industries, came to Haeun with a large bouquet and gift.

「Are you okay? As soon as I saw Hunter Jung, I know that you were an extraordinary person!」

「Ahaha. Thank you—」

「The relationship between Haniel and the Jung family is very deep! Isn’t it a very close relationship with us since Mr. Jung? It’s all because God made us meet. Oh, yes. This is a gift prepared to celebrate the awakening of Hunter Jung.」

Frederick handed Haeun a huge gift box. It was quite heavy. Haeun opened the box.

“Huh.” 

What came out of the box was a new work by Bobby Rollins, who had been exhibited at this expo and which everyone predicted would win the grand prize.

「Shouldn’t this be on display at the expo right now?」

「Bobby said he really wanted to give it to Hunter Jung. He said that if Hunter Jung’s first weapon was his, there would be no greater honor than that. Please take it.」

“Haa.” 

Jung Jinho, who was with her, let out a laugh.

“Where are you trying to use my daughter for his portfolio?”

“Portfolio?”

“You’re trying to advertise that her first weapon is the work of Bobby and Haniel. Haeun, don’t take it. Dad will make your weapon.”

The gift was returned due to the fierce opposition of Jung Jinho. However, Frederick declared that he wouldn’t give up and bring something better. 

The next batter was the American Hunter Association.

「We’ll give you fifty million dollars.」

A blond-haired man who introduced himself as the vice president pushed the contract to Haeun.

「Miss Jung’s nationality is Korean, but you don’t have to worry. As a contributor to clearing the S-Class dungeon, it is being processed to issue special citizenship. There is no need to give up your Korean nationality because you have multiple nationalities.」

Fifty million dollars is more than five hundred billion. Haeun’s eyes sparkled at the extraordinary scale. 

「In addition, we will solve the problem of residence in the United States. America is a paradise for hunters. They have an absolute advantage in infrastructure, education, and support.」

「That’s right. I heard that.」

「It will definitely be the best stage for Miss Jung to be active.」 

It was a highly coveted offer.

However, objectively speaking, it was impossible to leave Korea as all Haeun’s family members were hunters working in Korea. Unfortunately, she had to say no.

「Of course, fifty million dollars might be a small amount for Miss Jung.」

The man who caught the atmosphere of rejection said abruptly. He stretched out three of his fingers.

「Eighty million. If you decide to be a full-on American hero, I can give you thirty million more. Fifty million is the proposed amount when maintaining multiple nationalities with Korea.」

「I, I will—」

“Haeun-ah, you have to go home!”

「Ehem, I’ll think about it.」

Haeun, who almost fell for eighty million, overcame the crisis.

After that, people came from the Korean embassy, and media outlets with cameras continued to snoop around.

At this rate, it would not be strange if a secret organization to protect American heroes came to Haeun. 

“Haeun-ah, we need to go back to Korea soon.”

“I’ll help you.”

Baek Doohan provided his chartered plane for Haeun.

The world has already gone wild with Haeun’s appearance, and it has become unimaginable to book a normal flight and go back.

And now, Haeun was flying over the Republic of Korea with Jung Jinho and Seo Dojoon.

“Haeun, wake up.”

“Mmm.”

“Hurry.” 

Jung Jinho woke Haeun from a deep sleep. The charter plane carrying them had already arrived in the sky of Seoul.

“Have we arrived already?”

Haeun woke up yawning and asked while rubbing her eyes. Jung Jinho nodded his head.

“Yeah. We’ll be landing in ten minutes.”

“Mmhm. Okay.” 

“Wake up. We have to prepare.”

Haeun brushed her hair and came to her senses.

“The clothes are normal, so I think it will be fine… Haeun-ah, let’s use this.”

After the plane landed on the ground, Jung Jinho handed Haeun a black hat and mask.

When Haeun looked up at Jung Jinho, Jung Jinho said with a serious expression.

“Haeun-ah, as you know, it’s completely chaotic outside right now.”

An EX class that had never been born before appeared in the world.

From the moment the disaster called the dungeon was born, the capabilities of the Hunters and Awakeners soon led to the country’s national power.

South Korea was an excellent country with many S-Class Hunters, including Seo Dojoon and Jung Eunwoo. However, the reality was that the population wasn’t enough compared to China, Japan, and the United States.

However, an awakener who is not even an S-Class, but an EX-Class, and who is powerful enough to destroy an S-Class dungeon was born in Korea!

Even the main character is the daughter of the Jung Jinho family, which has been famous for 4 S-rankers so far! 

The legendary appearance of Haeun was perfect for filling people’s curiousity.

Of course, Haeun’s existence has become an object of curiosity and caution to other countries that can’t be friendly neighbors.

“There are probably reporters at the airport, too.”

Jung Jinho’s forehead began to wrinkle.

“If you get caught… you may not be able to get out of it. I’ll have to make an official announcement someday, but not right now.”

“Then what should I do?” 

“Hunter Seo Dojoon will help.”

Haeun looked back at Seo Dojoon. Seo Dojoon said calmly.

“I will draw the attention of the reporters.”

“Seo Dojoon-ssi?” 

“Yes, in the meantime, you can sneak out with Hunter Jung Jinho.” 

[The Constellation ‘Mutant of the Abyss’ is delighted, saying that it is like Operation 007.]

It wasn’t his business, and Constellation was just having fun. Haeun felt her uneasiness and took the hat Jung Jinho gave her. 

One person greeted the three people who got off the chartered plane. It was someone of the same height as Haeun, wearing a black hood and mask. Jung Jinho explained to Haeun.

“Hunter Seo Dojoon will pretend to go out of the airport with Haeun. It’s terminal for chartered flights, but it’s probably correct to think that the exit there is also covered by reporters. Haeun-ah, this person here is the person who will act as your substitute.”

“Hello! Hunter Jung Haeun! For me to act as Hunter’s substitute… It’s the glory of my life…!” 

“N, no… I’m….”

“I really have a favor to ask……! May I ask for your autograph?”

Haeun, caught up in the atmosphere, signed the back of the woman’s hoodie zip-up. In fact, she didn’t have anything to call her signature yet, so she only wrote her name clearly.

“Thank you! I will cherish it as a treasure for a lifetime! thank you!”

Still, the staff was very happy.

“See you later.”

After those words, Seo Dojoon set out on the road with Haeun’s substitute.

“Let’s move too, Haeun.”

Jung Jinho took the lead, and Haeun followed.

An employee waiting in advance guided the two. The two moved stealthily, like smugglers.

Employees assigned for security flew hot eyes whenever Haeun passed by.

Her cheeks were burning with heat from that hot gaze, so Haeun put on her black hat.