Chapter 49

Both Han Sang-ah and I, and even Lee Se-eun, had successfully signed additional contracts. From the start, it seemed Lee Se-eun had deliberately set a very low hiring fee this time.

Since protection was needed anyway, and Embargo Tower already knew what had gone down during the train transport process, they ended up hiring her at full price despite her low request.

“That’s pretty generous.”

The place we arrived at was Canterbury in the UK.

“There’s quite a distance between here and the site where the barrier generator will be installed.”

It was about 22 kilometers away. At my comment, Lee Se-eun pulled out her pipe and replied.

“We’re not the perimeter team. We’re the response squad.”

The soldiers and Hunters normally stationed to guard the barrier generator would, of course, remain in Denver. But we weren’t that. Our role was to respond immediately if anything happened and a report came in.

“Obviously it’s okay if we’re a bit farther out. Besides, Canterbury’s got better lodging than Denver.”

So this was their way of treating us well. If we weren’t on guard duty, then we had complete free time until something blew up.

In other words, the minimum condition for our initial goal of staying in Canterbury had been fulfilled.

“How’s it looking on your end?”

To my question, Han Sang-ah replied.

“I’ve made contact. When I explained the details of the deal with you, my family didn’t say much.”

“That’s a relief. Honestly, I thought they’d have at least a few words.”

Han Sang-ah shook her head.

“It’s just because we’re not in Korea right now, but the things that happened during the Siberian crossing have already been well reported back in Korea.”

It’s enough to make me worry about going back already.

“Anyway, it seems the Geumyang Group is considering you my partner.”

“Well damn, should we share a room tonight then? I’ve got zero complaints.”

Marrying the beautiful daughter of a wealthy family? That’s like hitting a crypto jackpot. At my words, Han Sang-ah nodded.

“Sure. Since it’s come to this, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to make it official. It'll give us something to say when we visit.”

“What are you two even talking about right now?”

Lee Se-eun, listening to our conversation, looked at the two of us with a dumbfounded expression.

“You still don’t know how to mess around with her?”

“…So it was a joke again huh.”

Han Sang-ah answered in a slightly frustrated tone. On the way from the Netherlands by ship to Dover and then to Canterbury, she kept getting caught in my jokes.

It’s fun teasing someone once they’re used to it.

“This place is pretty wrecked too.”

Most of the buildings looked like fish stripped to the bone, barely holding their frame.

They had torn out all the wooden parts of the structures to use as firewood.

“Still, the fact they’re maintaining a government is a miracle.”

As we were talking, a vehicle approached in the distance, escorted by soldiers.

The UK Prime Minister and the head of the UK Hunter Association were scheduled to visit us in Canterbury.

“It’s an honor to meet you. I’m Vanessa Bradley, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.”

Two people got out of the car and approached. A middle-aged woman with slightly dull blonde hair greeted us first. So she was the UK Prime Minister.

“I’m Dominic Heddy, President of the Hunter Association.”

The man followed with his introduction.

“You’ve come a long way. Sorry for the inconvenience.”

To Lee Se-eun’s courteous greeting, Prime Minister Vanessa shook her head.

“Inconvenience? Not at all. Even if it’s a short-term contract, we will do our utmost to ensure your comfort while you're here.”

After her words, she turned her gaze to Han Sang-ah and me.

“You two as well. I’ve heard about the incredible feats you’ve accomplished in such a short time.”

She then addressed Han Sang-ah in a subtle voice.

“Geumyang Construction’s 3D printing architecture is unmatched. We’re benefiting a lot from it here too.”

3D printing construction.

Once the basic foundation is complete, the building itself is printed directly on top. Geumyang Construction holds an unrivaled position in that field.

It takes just a day to build a three-story structure. While it’s possible to leave space for piping and wiring during construction...

In regions outside of Korea, there’s barely any infrastructure to connect to those systems, so it doesn’t matter much.

What matters is building many, quickly, and cheaply. If monsters from the Erosion Zones attack, the buildings will crumble instantly anyway.

In simple terms, it’s like calling a house an upgraded tent.

“Benefiting? We’re just a company doing what we’re paid to do.”

“And on that note…”

Just as Prime Minister Vanessa was about to continue, Han Sang-ah cut in firmly.

“If it concerns the Geumyang Group, speaking to me won’t get you anywhere.”

With that quick shut-down, Vanessa paused. As a politician, she probably wasn’t used to such blunt responses.

“Is that so?”

Vanessa looked a bit disappointed. I smiled and said to her,

“We’re just Hunters here to fulfill a request.”

I understood her desire to squeeze out more from our presence here, but unnecessary talk would get us nowhere.

“The Association has reviewed the requests made by the three of you, including Hunter Lee Se-eun, and we plan to fulfill them to the best of our ability.”

President Dominic’s gaze turned to me.

“As for the byproducts that were rightfully yours during the Siberian crossing, we’ve confirmed that they were collected by Miracle Junkyard and are currently being processed.”

Once that was done, the UK Hunter Association would receive and hand them over to me.

“As for the additional items you requested, what we could prepare has already been transported to Canterbury. If possible, we’ll prepare the rest as well.”

These were for upcoming training. And finally…

“As for what Han Sang-ah requested, we’re currently doing our best to secure the necessary materials.”

“We’ll be purchasing them under the Geumyang Group’s name. Payment has already been arranged, so there shouldn’t be any issue.”

Han Sang-ah had requested elixirs that I’d mentioned previously as part of my training fee. Since the Geumyang Group would cover the cost, it was a win-win for the Association.

“The residences are three single-family homes located near Old Dover Road. All requested goods and supplies have been prepared.”

A short distance from Old Dover Road, it connects directly to Dover itself. As the road name suggests, you can reach Dover quickly by car.

“It’s a suburban area, but the scenery isn’t great. All the trees have been logged…”

At Dominic’s words, Prime Minister Vanessa shot him a quick look. It wasn’t pleasant to have your country’s poor state exposed to foreigners.

“We’re not here for a vacation anyway. You’ve already done more than enough.”

Lee Se-eun replied briskly, and I agreed. It’s not like you can live off scenery.

“Then we’ll show you to your residence. As we mentioned earlier, the place is connected via radio to the Dover base.”

“One call per hour, right?”

If they couldn’t reach us, we needed to check in ourselves.

Dominic nodded at my comment.

“Yes, please make sure to follow that rule. Now, let us take you to your quarters.”

We traveled by car to our residences. Along the way, we didn’t see a single person. They had probably cleared the area in advance.

“The relief supplies you transported have been received. We’ll ensure they’re used where they’re most needed.”

During the drive, Vanessa spoke to Lee Se-eun.

“They might not be fancy, but I hope they’re put to good use.”

To that, Lee Se-eun replied,

“There aren’t enough words to express our gratitude to the foundation you run. There are many people who do good in the world, but you’re exceptional among them.”

Prime Minister Vanessa was laying it on thick. Industrial washer-grade flattery. But Lee Se-eun seemed used to this kind of thing and didn’t react.

“The UK does support Hunter activities in various ways. The scale might differ from Korea, but…”

Korea’s strengths are solid safety and economic stability that lets them dump real cash into the field. The UK has neither, but they do have one advantage.

Complete tax exemption for Hunters.

No tax when buying real estate, vehicles, transferring assets, earning through stocks, bank interest, or even buying goods. No VAT. Just tax-free.

The UK government doesn’t take a single penny from Hunters or Hunter companies. Vanessa and Dominic were trying hard to sell us on that point.

“There were reports that Korea recently expressed dissatisfaction with this policy.”

“…That’s true.”

Lee Se-eun looked out the window at the desolate scenery and said,

“How long can you maintain that policy?”

There was no definite answer. In this situation, if Korea complains, there’s no country that can push back.

“We plan to hold out as long as we can.”

“I hope you do.”

Vanessa’s expression darkened. That was a polite way of saying she wouldn’t consider moving to the UK. Her eyes flicked to me too.

I answered honestly.

“I plan to focus on eliminating class 1 Erosion Zones.”

“Excuse me?”

Vanessa and Dominic both turned to me, looking stunned. Like, did he really just say that?

“What I mean is, this will be my last mission involving defending or transporting something in a specific region.”

After my time in the UK, I would devote myself entirely to dealing with Erosion Zones, and I had no intention of working with other Hunters unless they shared that goal.

“I do admire your courage, but…”

“I’m not required to get the UK government’s approval to act, am I?”

The Association President looked like he wanted to say more, but eventually nodded.

“That’s correct.”

Lee Se-eun looked back and forth between us with interest. Meanwhile, the car kept going and we finally arrived at our destination.

“This is the place.”

As we were told earlier, we were each given a single-family home. Given the lack of infrastructure, LPG gas, small generators, and a large ground-level water tank had all been provided.

“If anything is inconvenient, please let us know.”

After the brief tour, the Prime Minister and Association President left. They had plenty on their plates.

If Lee Se-eun or I had shown even a hint of weakness, they might have pitched tents to stay and try persuading us, but we had made it clear we weren’t sticking around long.

While I checked over the items I had requested before arrival, Lee Se-eun verified the radio connection to Dover, and Han Sang-ah quickly cleaned the homes.

“Alright, let’s get ready for hell.”

Unless something happened in Dover, we were about to begin our nightmare training days right here.

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