Chapter 342 – The Faded Legend’s Tale (2)
April 1st.
Typically, that day is known as April Fool’s Day.
A cheerful day where people play light pranks or tell believable lies for fun.
So, unusual antics are often laughed off to some extent.
Game companies might change a character’s appearance with bizarre illustrations or release joke patches.
Businesses hook consumers with fake trailers they poured effort into for the day.
In novels, covers and introductions might get swapped, or occasionally unexpected covers will pop up.
Sometimes, even special April Fool’s episodes are released.
Of course, that doesn’t mean it’s a day to cross the line with pranks.
For example, making prank calls to emergency services only invites criticism, not laughter.
That’s purely a nuisance for the sake of one’s own amusement.
Anyway, April Fool’s Day, with its special nature, somewhat permits bold attire.
It’s gotten so stale seeing adults go to bars in school uniforms.
Some game companies even allow cosplay within the office for that day.
However, that very April Fool’s Day, just as it was beginning late at night, at an apartment—a residential space for civilians.
“Let’s brief the situation!”
“The targets are two civilians; we can capture them alive or kill them.”
If the special forces are not only in uniforms but also wearing Defensive Coats.
“Confirmed that the CCTV is not working. All nearby people have evacuated.”
“Moreover, using abilities in this area poses no problems for a while!”
Can this really be chalked up as an April Fool’s prank?
Let’s concede it’s okay for their outfits.
But is it still an April Fool’s joke when you see the weapons they’re holding?
Guns, knives, batons, axes, and other grim weapons completely out of place in a civilian environment.
One might think of colorful parts or childish-colored handles, mistaking them for toys.
But if you have a discerning eye, you’d recognize the colorful parts are just poorly painted and far from their intended purpose.
And those weapons with childish handles are undoubtedly sharp and deadly.
In other words, these are real weapons disguised as toys.
“Lastly, we confirmed the civilian target returned home last night!”
“Other teams are safely approaching the target!”
This prank is beyond playful for an April Fool’s.
“Good! Is everyone ready?”
“““Yes!”””
Of course, for them, this was no April Fool’s prank.
These were hunters sent by the Chief targeting Kim Shinwoo’s family.
They split into two teams under the Chief’s orders.
One was a small group of two.
That small group had gone somewhere else, not here.
To kill a chihuahua registered under Kim Shinwoo’s family.
Someone mumbled softly due to a bit of self-reproach.
“…Even so, sending two people just to kill a dog seems a bit much…”
“Didn’t I teach you to prepare for any unforeseen situations?”
The moment that little mumble reached the captain’s ears.
The result of a rebuke came out of his mouth.
Eventually, the hunter who muttered swiftly bowed his head to the captain.
“I’m sorry. I misspoke.”
“Be more careful next time.”
The rest of the team gathered at the apartment where Kim Shinwoo’s parents lived.
It’s too much of an overkill just to kill two civilians.
A single gun would suffice.
But their captain’s creed was to ensure they delivered, especially when money was involved.
Soon, many had arrived at Kim Shinwoo’s house.
As they lined up next to the entrance of the apartment.
The captain, looking authoritative, spoke to the two hunters.
“Is everyone prepared with their abilities?”
“Yes, I’ll activate mine right now, so please turn off all electronic devices. They’ll be useless now.”
“I’ll block this area with soundproofing as soon as the target is visible.”
“Okay.”
With that response, the captain smirked briefly in satisfaction and prepared to open the door.
But before they could even open the door, an unexpected event occurred.
– Bang!
“What the f*ck are these bastards?”
The door of the adjacent apartment opened.
Someone came out, and that presence was something the hunters had never anticipated.
A man in his late twenties, with a decently good-looking face.
But with a scruffy beard and unkempt hair, it was clear he didn’t care about his appearance.
His eyes were like those of a rotten fish, and he shuffled out in saggy sweatpants and flip-flops.
At best, he was a bum. Anything beyond that was too generous.
He was holding something heavy and large in his hands.
But that seemed trivial compared to his unique character.
Most importantly.
“Move aside; the hallway’s narrow.”
“…Huh?”
“Move, you dog bastards! Did I stick my d*ck in your ear?”
Despite it being their first encounter, his mouth was quite foul.
Completely disregarding the other’s emotions, he expressed solely his own will.
There was no doubt he wasn’t quite all there.
Immediately, the captain looked at the hunter who was on surveillance duty.
Sending a slightly scolding gaze from behind his visor.
“Didn’t you say there were no people around?”
“W-We did…”
“Ha…”
A sigh escaped, yet further reprimand didn’t follow.
That’s just how operations went, right?
There could always be one or two unexpected variables.
‘Well, with a typhoon coming, it’s understandable someone would film, so I guess an apartment broadcast could be ignored.’
Engaging in unnecessary conflict here wouldn’t be wise.
Trying to say something and clear the way, he started.
“I apologize for blocking the way. Please continue on your path.”
“Oh? In that case, f*ck off.”
“…Understood.”
But that wasn’t going to fly.
The bum took a few steps forward and abruptly halted.
Right in front of the house Kim Shinwoo was residing in.
“…Who are you in this house…?”
“The neighbor man.”
The captain clutched his throbbing head and let out a deep sigh.
Annoying things kept happening, and unexpected variables continued to arise.
Not only was there someone living next door, but now this person was coming to the target’s home too.
It felt like things were getting tangled.
However, the captain also didn’t want to delay any further.
He wanted to wrap things up quickly, as these dirty jobs usually prioritized speed.
“I’m sorry, but we’re guests. We came to talk to the people in this house.”
“Oh?”
“Please step aside. It will be over soon, so do turn back for now.”
The captain spoke calmly and with patience.
They had things they needed to discuss first.
The bum shrugged and asked indifferently.
“Why’s your outfit like that?”
“Well, it’s April Fool’s Day, so we did a bit of cosplay. It suits us, right?”
Thanks to having prepared for this, the captain maintained his composure and responded smoothly.
Today was April 1st, April Fool’s Day.
A cheerful day where you can laugh off a little white lie.
And a day where cosplay could be understood.
So, such outfits could somewhat be excused.
“Really? But do you have to go to that length?”
“Yes, to be honest, we wanted to give a surprise because we received a favor from them in the past.”
Moreover, they disguised their weapons to look like toys just in case.
Though, someone with a keen eye would notice quickly.
But how many civilians could discern that level?
“You said cosplay, right?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
But the man before him was a bit different.
“Couldn’t you have painted it in a more inconspicuous way, you weirdo?”
“…Huh?”
His tone was full of certainty, devoid of any hesitation.
“Moreover, do you bring weapons when talking? Came for a salary negotiation?”
“…Who the hell are you?”
That meant he recognized they weren’t holding toys but weapons capable of taking lives.
Further emphasizing his point.
“What’s with the Defensive Coat? Are you scared of being stabbed by a civilian?”
“…You bastard, you’re a hunter.”
The captain had to update his information about the man in front of him in real time.
From a simple bum to potentially a dangerous hunter.
He also didn’t forget to resent the Chief who employed him.
It’s one thing that the neighbor didn’t evacuate.
But at the very least, they should’ve been informed that he was a hunter.
Soon after, the atmosphere between them became colder than the night air.
Now that he realized the other party was a hunter.
The captain exchanged the customary greetings among hunters.
“What’s your tier?”
“Bronze tier.”
Of course, what returned was nothing but mocking laughter.
“Who the hell taught you to talk like that?”
“Bronze.”
“You little sh*t!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
Ultimately, the captain’s suppressed anger exploded.
Along with it, the subordinates watched the situation anxiously.
However, the man before them simply deadpanned.
“Don’t talk sht on our first meeting. No manners, you fcking prick.”
“You were being obnoxious from the start!!!”
He knew how to push the captain’s buttons.
The captain huffed, mulling over the man before him.
Based on experience, hunters who act that cocky are usually Bronze or Silver tier.
At that time, they wouldn’t yet know much about the hunter society.
But by Gold tier, they would have some decorum.
In the hunter society, where being attacked from behind is always a possibility if you can’t secure your back, avoiding enmities is the best means of survival.
Thus, this man should at most be Bronze tier.
No higher than Silver tier in any case.
Compared to their group made up of Gold and Platinum tiers, he was nothing.
In any case, the opponent didn’t seem to be in the mood for conversation, so the captain aimed his gun and hissed threateningly.
Hinting that he could shoot at any moment.
“Anyway, we have business to attend to, so you can kindly f*ck off!”
With that statement, ominous sounds of preparing weapons reverberated.
Simultaneously, one hunter manifested a gray Reverse Field, trapping everyone in it.
It was the implementation of a soundproof zone where sounds within wouldn’t escape.
– Ability activation. Complete.
– Well done.
He didn’t forget to commend his subordinate through signals.
Even though it felt like a battle could erupt at any moment, the man in front showed no signs of changing his expression.
He simply let go of the large box he was holding.
– Thud!!!
It made quite a heavy sound due to its size.
He began rummaging through the box without paying any mind to the weapons aimed at him.
“You’re really going to antagonize us? Are you insane?”
“They’re really important people to me.”
His nonchalance made the hunters anxious, yet he merely smiled faintly.
“They said they’d give me kimchi later, motherf*cker.”
Though he didn’t quite understand,
there was something distinctly filthy about that smile.
