Leveling Up Alone

Chapter 323 – Laboratory of Blood (1)

Han-Yeol effortlessly downed four Chinese fighter jets.

Among the pilots were someone's father, husband, loved one, and family. However, if Han-Yeol hadn't intervened, the lives of the pilots and cabin crew onboard the plane would have been sacrificed.

To live or die—it was the law of this world. China had a notorious reputation for using its might to coerce other nations, but it was illogical for them to threaten a passenger plane that had already received airspace approval. Moreover, shooting down a plane with a Master Rank Hunter onboard? That was essentially courting danger.

While the crew onboard worried about potential retaliation from China, Han-Yeol remained unfazed, returning to the plane with a smile.

“Kieeek!”

On the contrary, Mavros appeared upset for not being able to fly as much as he wished.

Seuk… Seuk…

Han-Yeol comforted him by patting his head. “We'll fly as much as we want next time, okay?”

“Kieeek!”

“By the way, Mavros.”

Wooong!

“Kyu?” Mavros, now back to being small-sized, tilted his head at Han-Yeol's call.

“Are you done with that egg?”

“Kyu! Kyu! Kyu!” Mavros excitedly cried in response, occasionally acting a bit crazy when overly excited.

“Master.”

“Yeah?”

“Do I have to translate for you?”

Tia would often translate for Han-Yeol when needed. Unlike Mavros, who couldn't speak in the human language, Tia, an Arachnid, had the ability to converse in the human tongue. According to mythology, an Arachnid was a person cursed by the Goddess Athena, enabling them to speak both human and monster languages.

However, at the moment, Tia didn't appear enthusiastic about translating the mini-dragon's chatter.

"No, I kind of get what he's saying."

“Hohoho~ You’re quite perceptive, master~”

“Geez, thanks a lot,” Han-Yeol replied with a sigh.

***

The incident involving Han-Yeol had stirred an uproar within the Chinese government, but he remained indifferent as he made a stop in Nepal to inspect the Gurkha training center he had established. The HY Group's expansion was rapid, and he relied on this center for staffing.

Despite the significant influence the HY Group held in Nepal, Han-Yeol was unaware of the full extent of its impact in the country. Jason Kim and the other managers handled all operations, occasionally updating Han-Yeol, who, truthfully, wasn't deeply interested in the group's day-to-day affairs.

His sole focus rested on the Bastro Dimension, a priority far surpassing earthly wealth and renown. While intending to visit Egypt en route to Switzerland, Jason Kim requested a detour to the Gurkha training center in Nepal—a bothersome diversion, yet Han-Yeol couldn't decline.

Given Jason Kim's unwavering management of his enterprises, Han-Yeol reluctantly obliged, arriving to a warm welcome from President Vidhya, who personally guided him through the training center.

Nepal was witnessing an unprecedented golden era, fueled by heightened employment due to the HY Group's recruitment of Gurkhas and Nepalese employment in Asian-based Egyptian companies. The country's economic resurgence owed much to the Egyptians, but Nepalese regarded Han-Yeol as their savior. Without him, China might have annexed their lands, a reality not lost on the populace.

[Hahaha! Our Gurkhas seem more motivated after your visit!]

[Hmm? I doubt my presence alone could motivate them that much. Isn't that an exaggeration, Madame President?]

[Hohoho! Not at all! They're clearly striving to impress you. Why not address them briefly? It'll surely bolster their spirits.]

[Hahaha…]

Not particularly fond of public speaking, Han-Yeol couldn't refuse the Gurkhas' hopeful gazes. Reluctantly, he ascended the podium, delivered a concise speech, and swiftly departed thereafter.

Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap!

Han-Yeol was suddenly reminded of a quote he'd encountered before: 'People will clap even if you take a dump if you're famous enough.' The speech he delivered wasn't particularly impressive, yet the Gurkhas appeared elated simply because someone they revered addressed them.

[Hahaha! Look! You can see them getting motivated!]

[Hahaha…]

Aware of his deific status among the Nepalese, Han-Yeol found himself experiencing it firsthand. While he didn't dislike the adoration—finding it rather gratifying—he wasn't enamored with attention solely for its sake. His comfort with this reverence stemmed from familiarity with such situations, rather than a love for the spotlight.

‘It feels like I’ve become Harkan again.’

The affection and reverence from the Nepalese mirrored the adoration Han-Yeol once received from the Bastrolings during his time as the Dimension Lord.

As Han-Yeol concluded his schedule in Nepal and prepared to depart from the training center, a sudden interruption halted his exit.

"Attention!" A resounding voice echoed across the field.

‘Hmm?’ Han-Yeol turned around and saw the training center’s manager.

“Salute to Han-Yeol Hunter-nim!”

“Loyalty!”

They had organized this small event just in case Han-Yeol visited them. It fell far short of repaying him for saving their country, but their passion and loyalty were the only offerings they could present at the moment.

[Hahaha! It seems they've prepared something for you!] President Vidhya couldn't contain her laughter upon witnessing the Gurkhas' heartfelt display.

‘Wow, this is quite touching,’ Han-Yeol marveled at the extent of reverence shown by these foreigners.

‘I should probably go along with what they've prepared,’ he thought, a smile on his face.

Chwak!

He saluted them back and bellowed, "At ease!"

The Gurkhas cheered and applauded as Han-Yeol finally departed, heading for the airport. Nepal wasn't far from Egypt, so his journey there didn't take long.

Exiting the VIP terminal in Egypt, Han-Yeol was greeted by a pair of familiar voices.

“Hyung-nim!”

Tak!

“Kyaong!”

He turned toward the voices.

“Hey, Mujahid.”

“Hyung-nim! Hahaha!”

He was greeted at the airport by Mujahid, who had chosen to stay in Egypt.

“How did you know I was coming?” Han-Yeol inquired.

He hadn't informed anyone except Tayarana about his trip to Egypt. He had intended to meet Mujahid briefly and leave, yet Mujahid was already waiting for him at the airport.

“Haha! As expected of hyung-nim. Did you really forget what kind of mess you caused just a while back?”

“Huh?” Han-Yeol was puzzled.

He couldn't fathom what Mujahid meant by him causing a mess.

“Ah…”

Suddenly, it dawned on him.

“Do you remember now?”

“Ah, I did give those arrogant individuals a lesson on my way here.”

“Hahaha! Koreans are probably the only ones who look down on China. After all, they’re among the top three countries globally.”

Han-Yeol seemed to concur, nodding. “Yeah, Koreans tend to rebel against stronger countries.”

A British journalist once reported that only Koreans, despite being weaker, dared to use racial slurs against the Chinese and Japanese.

“Anyway, so you're saying my actions caused some commotion?” Han-Yeol inquired.

Mujahid looked at him with sheer disbelief before responding, “Why ask the obvious? You essentially declared war against China, and you're all over the Chinese newspapers right now!”

Han-Yeol merely shrugged. “Yeah, I'm sure they're probably worked up.”

Mujahid sighed, as if conceding, “What did I expect from you? I should've known you wouldn't be bothered at all.”

“Hahaha! It's better for you not to expect anything from me.”

“Haha, I guess so…” Mujahid knew Han-Yeol was largely indifferent to others, except for those close to him.

‘Or perhaps he's confident he can prevail against them?’ crossed Mujahid's mind.

Mujahid might be second in line for Egypt's throne, but even he would hesitate to provoke a conflict with China.

What kind of country was China?

Official estimates touted a population of one and a half billion people, though unofficial reports suggested it was actually a little over two billion. Initially housing around two hundred Master Rank Hunters, thirty departed in protest of the regime’s policies, while nine perished in combat against other Master Rank Hunters. Given the Chinese government's secrecy about their Hunter activities, it was plausible that there were many more within the country.

Nevertheless, the idea of challenging such a formidable nation was enough to instill hesitation in anyone.

‘But he seems unfazed by it…’

Mujahid was uncertain whether to express admiration or something else.

Tak! Tak!

Han-Yeol tapped Mujahid's shoulder twice, noticing his troubled expression.

“It'll work out in the end, so don't worry about it. Hahaha!”

“Kyu!”

“Hoho~ You’re right, master~”

Both Mavros and Tia seemed to agree with him.

“Hahaha… Is that so, hyung-nim?” Mujahid replied with an awkward laugh before shaking his head.

He found it faster to give up on trying to understand Han-Yeol.

Thus, they decided to set aside thoughts of China for the moment and spent the night drinking and discussing various topics. However, Han-Yeol avoided mentioning anything about Tayarana or Mariam, aware of Mujahid's busyness since his official appointment as the deputy heir.

But what if he mentioned Tayarana and Mariam's second awakening? Han-Yeol knew Mujahid would likely throw a tantrum and plead to join the Bastro Dimension, a trait Han-Yeol disliked about him.

‘A man should finish what he has to do before indulging in desires.’

Aware of Mujahid's passion for fighting and surpassing others in strength, Han-Yeol understood the prince needed to prioritize his royal duties above all else. Hence, he refrained from saying anything that might distract Mujahid from his responsibilities, simply assuring him that both Tayarana and Mariam were doing well in Korea.

“Ah, I really miss Mariam…” Mujahid lamented.

‘Oh, right, this guy has a thing for her…’ Han-Yeol recalled.

Unfortunately, Mujahid's affection for Mariam was unrequited, as she showed no interest in him whatsoever.

“When you're finished with your work, come visit Korea. It's been a while since we hunted together, hasn't it?”

“Yeah, you're right. I was happiest when we hunted monsters together. I know my duties to my country are crucial, but honestly, I find these responsibilities quite dull…”

“Haha! His Excellency might not appreciate hearing that,” Han-Yeol teased.

Mujahid responded with a bitter smile.

Meanwhile, Han-Yeol couldn't help but wonder, ‘Why aren't both heirs to the throne interested in their duties at all…?’