Leveling Up Alone

Chapter 164: The Reason for Leaders of Society (3)

[Hyung-nim~ Hyung-nim~]

[What is it, Mujahid?]

[Are you really not going?]

[I’m busy.]

[Ah~ Don't be like that, hyung-nim. You haven't hunted for nearly two months now. Why don't we go and hunt together for old time's sake, or you can just cast Enhance on me if you don't feel like hunting~]

Mujahid might be extremely easygoing, but he was not the type to cling to someone else. However, the reason he was pestering Han-Yeol to go hunting was none other than his Enhance skill.

After all, anyone who tasted Enhance would find it difficult to return to normal, and this was especially true for the prince.

Mujahid, being a battle-obsessed maniac, was bound to become addicted to the effects of Enhance.

[I can’t. I’m busy.]

[I will supply the mana stones.]

[I’m really busy. Let’s go next time.]

Mujahid was not simply a hunter, but he was a prince as well, so he was educated with basic mannerisms, and he knew when he had to back off. He was the son of a concubine, but that did not matter since all children of the pharaoh were considered legitimate heirs. This, in turn, ensured that he received the best education available.

[Hoo… Alright, I guess I have no choice if you’re so adamant about not going… But you have to promise me that you’re going to go hunt with me, okay?]

[Sure.]

[Alright, let’s go, Furion!]

“Kyaoh!”?

A large black panther, nesting on top of a tree, jumped down at Mujahid's call and rubbed its head against his waist. For the past two months, Mujahid had been focusing all his efforts on making Furion grow stronger, just like he had witnessed Han-Yeol do.

During the initial few days of hunting, the results were not abundant. However, Mujahid soon realized that Mavros had consumed the remains of the gigantic lizard, which technically belonged to the same reptile species. This prompted him to shift his focus to hunting monsters similar to Furion. Subsequently, Furion started to react in a manner reminiscent of Mavros, and the black panther finally evolved.

Nonetheless, there was one striking difference between the two: Mavros had the ability to change his size at will, while Furion remained stuck at the same size.

Fortunately, Mujahid was not the kind of person to concern himself with trivial matters like this. Han-Yeol, initially curious about his nonchalant attitude toward his pet's size, decided to inquire about it. However, the response he received was a true reflection of Mujahid's character.

[Because big is cool!]

[Haha… Is that so?]

[Yes, Furion might resemble a black panther, but his large fangs and strong muscles set him apart from a typical black panther. Additionally, I cannot possibly fight alongside a weak black panther, but Furion is formidable and powerful! Haha!]

Han-Yeol felt relieved that Mujahid was bonding well with the monster pet he had purchased from him. However, at the same time, his conscience was starting to bother him.

‘They’re probably going to end up becoming test subjects once I sell them…’?he thought.

Certainly, as long as the United States was willing to offer the right price, Han-Yeol's decision to sell the monster pets would not be swayed.

[But are you going somewhere, hyung-nim?]

[I’m going to Yoo-Bi.]

[I noticed that you’re spending a lot of time with that woman named Yoo-Bi. Are you abandoning noonim by any chance?]

[What nonsense are you talking about…?]

‘Is there something between Tayarana and me that I’m not aware of…?’?Han-Yeol could not help but wonder after hearing Mujahid’s question.

[Ah, it’s nothing. Don’t mind me, I was just joking. Hahaha…]

[What was that all about…?]

There was a peculiar expression on Mujahid's face, but Han-Yeol chose not to dwell on it too much, knowing that the prince could be quite playful at times.

Han-Yeol promptly headed toward the area beside Sung Jin Factory, which now served as Yoo-Bi's workshop. The hangar he had initially constructed for her had gradually transformed into a space where she created intricate inventions, which led Han-Yeol to wholeheartedly support her endeavors.

"Secretary Kim."

"Yes, Han-Yeol Hunter-nim?"

"What about the matter I asked about?"

"We completed all the preparations four days ago. The unmanned security system from Germany is ready, and we have enlisted a regiment of Gurkhas to safeguard the factory. They are dressed inconspicuously, but they carry concealed weapons," Secretary Kim explained while handing a document to Han-Yeol.

The document contained specifications, layout diagrams, and an operating manual for the unmanned security system imported from Germany. The subsequent pages provided details regarding the hired Gurkhas responsible for protecting the factory.

"In addition, we are currently in the process of recruiting retired low-rank Hunters to further enhance our security. I will promptly submit a report once the recruitment is complete."

"Very well, I trust you with it."

"Thank you."

‘Wow, it’s really convenient to have someone smart working for you.’?Han-Yeol felt a sense of joy knowing that Secretary Kim was capable of fulfilling his desires and requests.

Bzzt! Bzzzzzt!

Han-Yeol arrived at the workshop, which appeared quite ordinary from the outside. Inside, an average-looking production line was being set up. The purpose of this production line was not to camouflage the workshop as a regular one, as that would be futile. Instead, its goal was to prepare the workshop for mass production of Yoo-Bi's inventions once they were ready.

However, the basement of the workshop was far from average.

Beep… Beep… Beep… Beep…?

[Identity Confirmed]

This was one of the security systems they had imported from Germany. It consisted of a biometric scanner designed to analyze a person's mana spectrum. Access to the basement was restricted, as it was impossible to enter unless one's mana spectrum was registered with the scanner.

Beep!

[Authorized Personnel: Rank 1, Lee Han-Yeol Hunter-nim.]

Ziiik!

It was evident that Han-Yeol held the highest rank in the workshop.

The reinforced titanium doors smoothly slid open. These doors were meticulously crafted by a renowned Hunter known as the 'Metal Meister' from Germany. The Metal Meister possessed the extraordinary ability to reinforce any metal using his mana. Furthermore, he had the skill to combine different metals, creating unique alloys.

The Metal Meister's contributions to Germany's economy were substantial. The country became a leading exporter of various metals and reinforced alloys to other nations. Even with the advent of dimensional gates, Germany maintained its position as the strongest country in Europe.

Whiiiiing!

Although Han-Yeol successfully passed through the security system, he was aware that cameras in the elevator were still monitoring his every move. These cameras were designed with precision to capture every detail of their target, demonstrating the superiority of unmanned technology over human surveillance. The system left no room for errors, and it was equipped to react promptly in case of any abnormalities, unlike human intervention.

Ding!

The elevator arrived at the second basement floor, and there were a few other security measures Han-Yeol had to go through before he finally reached Yoo-Bi’s main workshop.

Ziiik!

The doors opened.

“Oppa!” Yoo-Bi greeted Han-Yeol with enthusiasm.

“Hey, Yoo-Bi.”

Both Han-Yeol and Yoo-Bi had become so close that it wouldn't be an exaggeration to consider them siblings. Their relationship had blossomed even more after Han-Yeol let go of his romantic interest in her, allowing Yoo-Bi to open up to him without feeling burdened.

"How's everything?" Han-Yeol asked.

Yoo-Bi's abilities were the main catalyst behind their business venture. No matter how much money they invested or how well they marketed it, the business would have inevitably failed without her skills.

"Hmm... I'm doing my best, but engineering is truly a challenging field. It feels like the more I delve into it, the more complex it becomes. But I'm determined to keep learning. Besides, I find it fascinating, so I don't think I'll ever get tired of it," Yoo-Bi replied.

"Hahaha... Th-That's great," Han-Yeol muttered in response.

He couldn't help but find it difficult to comprehend Yoo-Bi's mindset, as he was someone who despised the idea of studying. While he enjoyed reading books, analyzing, memorizing, and applying their contents posed a completely different challenge for him.

‘I would’ve gone all in if there was a wisdom or intelligence-related stat… It’s a shame…’?he lamented the fact that the MAG stat did not increase his intelligence.

“But what brings you here today, oppa?” Yoo-Bi asked.

Han-Yeol would typically inform her in advance before visiting the workshop, so she couldn't help but wonder if there was a specific reason for his sudden visit.

"Well, you don't have a specific goal in your current research, do you?" he asked.

"Yes, I'm just experimenting with a few things. They will all be weapons or equipment useful for hunting monsters, but I'm more inclined toward creating equipment at the moment. Weapons are a bit too challenging for me right now. Besides, my skill level isn't that high, so I can't guarantee creating a masterpiece even if I focus. Why do you ask?"

"Hmm... I've been thinking, and they say that studying is more efficient when you set a specific goal, right?"

"Yeah." She nodded in response.

Han-Yeol knew that Yoo-Bi shone the brightest when she was deeply engrossed in something. While she was charming when smiling in front of the camera, seeing her passionately analyze the machinery before her had a completely different charm.

"So, I was thinking... What do you think about starting with a mana-powered vehicle? You can begin with an engine if creating an entire car seems too difficult. What do you think? Don't you think it would be revolutionary?"

"An engine...?"

This idea was the result of Han-Yeol's countless dilemmas over the past two months. He wanted to give Yoo-Bi a goal that wasn't too challenging yet had applications in various industries. Eventually, he settled on a mana engine.

The initial target was to develop an engine that could be used in vehicles before expanding to other industries. After all, the main mechanisms of an engine remained the same, with only a few adjustments required to adapt it for different applications.

Han-Yeol believed that creating engines for other industrial purposes would be relatively easy once they had the basic design of the mana engine.

"So, what do you think? Isn't it worth a shot?" Han-Yeol asked.

"Hmm... I don't think it's a bad idea," Yoo-Bi replied.

"Right?"

"Yes, an engine can be used in various industries, so it would be exciting to study and work on it. Besides, even if we fail to produce our own vehicle, we can still sell the engine to an automobile company at a good price."

"Just like what the German Metal Meister is doing."

"Ah, I've heard of him too. I heard that all the metals used to construct the new research workshop came from him, right?"

"Yes, that's correct."

Yoo-Bi's eyes sparkled brightly. "I want to become a world-renowned Crafting Hunter, just like the Metal Meister!"

Anyone with a life goal was bound to be attractive, and seeing Yoo-Bi radiate with enthusiasm after setting her own goal made her look like a shining angel.

"Yes, I'll help you achieve that."

"Hehe, then I'll trust only in you, oppa~"

"Leave it to me!"

It had been a while since the two of them had such a heartfelt conversation. Han-Yeol believed that maintaining a strong relationship with her was crucial so that she wouldn't leave him in the future. Moreover, chatting with her was effortless as he genuinely enjoyed spending time with her.

They chatted for quite some time until it was time for Yoo-Bi to go home.

"Ah, look at the time."

"Yeah, time flew by quickly."

“Hehe! My work today was too easy~”

“Hey, what are you saying?”

“Just saying~”

“Oh well, anyway. Great job today. Shall we go grab dinner together?”

“I want to, but I already made plans with my mother. I’m sorry, oppa.”

“Well, I guess there’s nothing I can do about that. Your plans with your mother come first, after all.”

“I’m sorry.”

“No, it’s fine.”

Han-Yeol was a bit regretful that they could not have dinner together, but he knew there was nothing he could do about it. He then thought, ‘Sung-Jin is busy these days, Tara and Mariam are back in Egypt, and Mujahid wants to do nothing else aside from hunting… Ah… I’m so bored…’

His social circle had drastically shrunk before he became a Hunter, which limited the number of people he could hang out with.

"Then, I'll be off first, Yoo-Bi," Han-Yeol said.

"Okay, goodbye!"

"Yeah, take care now."

Han-Yeol left the workshop and headed towards the car where Secretary Kim, Purva, and Mavros were waiting.

“Kyu!”?Mavros cried out and ran up to his embrace.

The black dragon was now capable of staying by itself, but it still appeared reluctant to be away from Han-Yeol. It quickly climbed up and perched on top of Han-Yeol's head, its usual spot.

Han-Yeol settled into the backseat of the car.

"Where shall we go?" Secretary Kim asked.

"Let's take a drive around the outskirts of Seoul. I think I need some time to clear my head," Han-Yeol replied.

"Yes, sir."

Secretary Kim relayed the instruction to Purva in English.

"Yes, sir!" Purva understood the command effortlessly and began driving.

As they passed by the campus of K University, something suddenly caught Han-Yeol's attention.

[We are against the expansion of the dormitory at K University!]

“Secretary Kim.”

“Yes, Han-Yeol Hunter-nim?”

“Tell him to park at the side of the road.”

“Yes, sir.”

It was an abrupt command, but Secretary Kim didn't question it, knowing that Han-Yeol was his employer.

Purva drove the car into a parking lot and found a spot to park. As the parking attendant approached their car, Secretary Kim took charge of the situation. Han-Yeol had hired him precisely to handle such minor matters, freeing him from such inconveniences.