Chapter 50: HunterLink’s Kim Taegon’s Proposal

After rejecting the proposal from HunterLink’s Kim Taegon to transfer to another guild with a salary up to 50 billion won.

I entered the Nova Team office as usual.

Buzz buzz.

But the atmosphere in the office was strange.

The Nova Team members were chatting in excited voices.

Their faces were full of excitement and anticipation.

After greeting Team Leader Cha Jihye, I approached the senior team members.

“Hello, seniors.”

“Oh, Seo Juwon. You’re here?”

“Yes. But is there something fun going on? You all look happy.”

“Of course. The Myth Festival is being held.”

“Huh? Myth Festival…?”

“What? Seo Juwon, didn’t you check the notice on the guild intranet?”

The intranet where various guild news is posted.

When I said I hadn’t checked it yet, the senior team members kindly explained.

A martial arts tournament called the “Myth Festival” is being held for the silver attack squads.

Yeah…

That’s fine.

The guild is a militant group, so having a martial arts tournament isn’t strange.

But the prizes were amazing.

“What? The winning prize is promotion to the gold attack squad?”

One of the prizes for this Myth Festival.

It was “promotion to the gold attack squad.”

“Yeah. Why? Tempted, Seo Juwon?”

A senior team member said with a smirk.

To that question, I stood there with a dazed expression, unable to answer.

Of course I’m tempted. If I get promoted to the gold attack squad, the salary is 50 billion.

I couldn’t answer, but it was true that I was tempted.

The other prizes, 10 billion won and an epic-grade item, were also tempting, but promotion to the gold attack squad was inevitably desirable.

If promoted to the gold attack squad, the salary jumps tenfold compared to now.

That is, from the current 5 billion to 50 billion won.

If I do well in this Myth Festival, I can get a 50 billion salary without transferring?

I suddenly recalled the call with HunterLink’s Kim Taegon in the elevator.

At that time, Kim Taegon said he would match up to a 50 billion salary if I transferred.

I was tremendously shaken by that.

But if I win the Myth Festival.

And get promoted to the gold attack squad because of that.

Then it means I can earn 50 billion without transferring.

So that’s what the guild master meant earlier.

Earlier in the lobby, Guild Master Shin Daeho had said.

He looks forward to my future activities, and hopes to see me on a bigger stage this time.

At that time, I didn’t understand Shin Daeho’s words.

But upon arriving at the office, I could realize what intention he had in saying that.

“Hunter Seo Juwon, so are you going to participate in the Myth Festival?”

At that time, Team Leader Cha Jihye asked.

She asked with a curious expression.

Not only her, but other senior team members also focused on my answer.

It was a natural reaction.

If they participate in the Myth Festival, I would become their competitor.

“Yes. I will participate.”

Nevertheless, I answered without a moment’s hesitation.

If I participate in this Myth Festival and win, I can keep the honor of being a Myth Guild member and also get a 50 billion salary.

“As expected. Well, you should. Hunter Seo Juwon is strong.”

“Yeah, Seo Juwon! You have to participate! Yeah, see you at the Myth Festival! Hahaha!”

“Juwon oppa, if we meet in the bracket, you have to go easy on me. Got it?”

“Haa, do I really have to fight your skeletons if I meet you, Seo Juwon? This is crazy. Should I just not participate?”

“Hehe, what if you’re scared of Seo Juwon? There will be people stronger than him in the Myth Festival.”

“That’s true. Team Leader Moon Sua will participate too.”

“Anyway, do your best, Seo Juwon! I’ll cheer for you! Win for sure!”

Team Leader Cha Jihye and the senior team members showed various reactions.

To their words, I felt an inexplicable sense of anticipation and tension.

Eunbyeol, Dad will definitely win.

I clenched my fist and vowed.

The hard-won opportunity, the Myth Festival.

I will win this tournament and definitely get promoted to the gold attack squad.

…What? A martial arts tournament?”

Handmade burger shop.

Ahn Hyeji, the composer sitting across, said with a surprised face.

Her already large eyes got even bigger, so she must be very surprised.

“Haha, yes. But you don’t need to be that surprised. Sparring is familiar to hunters.”

“Still. How can hunters fight each other. It’s scary just imagining it. I change the channel even if a fighting competition comes on TV.”

“There are people like that. But hunters have sturdy bodies, so it’s fine. Above all, the Myth Festival is not mandatory; only those who want to participate do.”

“I see. Still, don’t get hurt, sir. I’m worried. Got it?”

“Haha, understood. Thank you for worrying, Hyeji-ssi.”

I smiled at Ahn Hyeji’s concern.

“Daddy! Are you going to the tournament?”

At that time, Eunbyeol, sitting on my right, said.

“Yes. I plan to.”

“Wow! I see. Then Daddy has to get 1st place?”

“Hmm, Daddy wants to. But there are many strong hunters, so it’s not certain. Of course, I’ll do my best.”

“Hehe, I see. Daddy, Eunbyeol will cheer for you, so you have to win. Okay?”

“Got it, Eunbyeol. Daddy will think of you and do his best. Thanks for cheering, my daughter.”

I gave a smooch on Eunbyeol’s soft cheek.

Eunbyeol smiled bashfully, seeming happy.

With Eunbyeol and Ahn Hyeji, I started eating the handmade burgers.

The handmade burgers with tower-like high and thick beef patties.

While eating them with crispy fried french fries and cola, Ahn Hyeji spoke.

“Oh, right. Sir, it’s good that ‘Lovebug’ chart ranking has risen a lot.”

“Yeah. I hoped desperately, but I didn’t expect it to actually happen. 19th place. I’m just grateful.”

“Whew, I prayed every day for the ranking to rise. If we lose to Daesu oppa like this, it’d be frustrating.”

“Pfft.”

I burst into laughter at Ahn Hyeji’s words.

“Why, sir? Is what I said funny?”

“Ah, a bit. Honestly, Hyeji-ssi is closer to Kwak Daesu than us. But it’s funny that you want us not to lose.”

“Hey, of course I want Eunbyeol to win. You know, Daesu oppa has a terrible temper.”

“Hahaha, I won’t deny that.”

“Yeah. Anyway, it’s true I’ve been with Daesu oppa for a long time, but still, I want Eunbyeol to win. Honestly, Daesu oppa was too much. In many ways.”

I nodded with a smile.

Honestly, it was true that Kwak Daesu was too much to me, Eunbyeol, and the A&R team members.

Ahn Hyeji said.

“Anyway, I hope it keeps rising from 19th and beats ‘Ultra Marine.'”

“I hope so too.”

“Yeah. I’ll pray even harder. Eunbyeol, unnie will pray, so make sure to win! Okay?”

“Yeah, unnie! Eunbyeol will pray too! ‘Lovebug,’ go up a lot!”

Eunbyeol stopped eating french fries and prayed.

Even Ahn Hyeji started praying to match the rhythm.

I burst into laughter at their sudden prayers.

It was then.

On this path with you.

Only happy smiles fill it.

Reflected in your eyes.

All of me is love.

Thinking it was a familiar melody, suddenly “Lovebug” started playing in the burger shop.

“Oh!”

“Wow!”

Perhaps hearing the same.

Ahn Hyeji and Eunbyeol exclaimed while making eye contact.

It was the first time hearing “Lovebug,” which achieved decent results, outside the recording studio.

Even if spring comes, if with you.

All flowers will sing.

By your side forever.

Our love’s flower will bloom.

The song continued to play.

We forgot about eating burgers and french fries and listened to the music.

Because the already good song sounded even better outside.

While listening like that, emotions heightened, and the chorus burst out.

─You’re my lovebug.

─You’re my lovebug.

─You’re my lovebug.

─You’re my lovebug.

The sweet and addictive melody of “Lovebug.”

As the melody resonated, the lump in my chest exploded like fireworks pop pop.

Eunbyeol and Ahn Hyeji’s expressions were also immersed in ecstasy.

It was then.

“Wow, this is that one, right? ‘Lovebug’?”

“Oh my, yes. This is really a masterpiece.”

Women eating burgers at the next table started talking about “Lovebug.”

“Agreed. I was randomly playing the melon chart and doing starstagram, and this song came on, I was surprised?”

“I heard it while walking Rodeo street with my crush, and the atmosphere changed.”

“Yeah. This song makes me think of spring. Spring with cherry blossoms scattering.”

“Same. Wow, who made this song? It’s amazing for real.”

Women who looked like college students admired “Lovebug.”

Ahn Hyeji, who made eye contact with me, quietly smiled.

Because it was so joyful and touching to see people who like “Lovebug.”

But…

“Unnies! Eunbyeol made this!”

Surprisingly, Eunbyeol trotted to that table and revealed it.

That she made “Lovebug.”

“Uh, huh? Who are you?”

“I’m Eunbyeol! Seo Eunbyeol!”

“Seo Eunbyeol?”

“Yeah! And the composer who made the song ‘Lovebug’!”

“R-really…?”

“Yeah! You can check!”

At Eunbyeol’s words, the women really checked the melon chart.

“Oh my, it’s true? It says Seo Eunbyeol?”

“There’s this kid’s face in the profile picture too. Amazing!”

Perhaps seeing the name and photo in the credits.

The women’s eyes widened.

Even the two women looked at me and Ahn Hyeji, and we nodded as if to say yes.

“Wow! Amazing! Kid, did you really make this song? You’re awesome!”

“Oh my gosh! We love ‘Lovebug’ so much! We hearted it and listen every day! Kid, are you a genius? Huh?”

The women looked at Eunbyeol in wonder and exclaimed.

Eunbyeol smiled brightly, as if finding the reaction fun.

“You said Eunbyeol, right? Eunbyeol, can you give us an autograph?”

“Autograph?”

“Yes! To brag that we met the composer of ‘Lovebug’!”

“Hehe, okay!”

When Eunbyeol readily agreed, the woman next to her went further.

“I want a photo! Let me take a photo with you! To post on starstagram!”

“Hehe, okay! Photo too!”

“Wow! Thanks, composer! Love you!”

The women got autographs from Eunbyeol, took photos, and had a fun time laughing.

Watching that amazing scene, I smiled contentedly.

I hope more good things happen.

Watching Eunbyeol making a heart with her cheeks among the women, I earnestly wished.

That “Lovebug”‘s chart ranking keeps rising and our Eunbyeol becomes a big hit.