Chapter 26: Reality, Part 1

It’s best to explain this first.

My reality is, in literary terms, a hunter genre world.

However, it differs from typical hunter stories in one crucial aspect: there are no low-level hunters.

What comes to mind when you think of hunter stories? Ranks, of course. From E-rank to S-rank.

But in my world, there are only A-rank and S-rank hunters.

There are 50,000 A-rank hunters.

While that might seem like a lot, it’s a minuscule number compared to South Korea’s population.

With 50 million people in South Korea and only 50,000 A-rank hunters, each hunter is responsible for 1,000 civilians.

Fortunately, 40,000 A-rank hunters are concentrated in Seoul, the nation’s capital, ensuring its safety.

However, other regions, especially those far from Seoul, must contend with a severe shortage of hunters.

The government has implemented various policies to address this issue, but they’ve been ineffective.

No one wants to leave Seoul.

Neither civilians nor hunters.

As for the abilities of A-rank hunters, they can all manipulate magical energy, known as Aura.

In fact, Aura manipulation is a prerequisite for becoming an A-rank hunter. Mages must demonstrate equivalent magical prowess.

Of course, there are hunters with other abilities, such as tracking or teleportation.

They also receive the A-rank designation.

These hunters typically provide support rather than direct combat.

Therefore, anyone who awakens their abilities can potentially become an A-rank hunter.

However, A-rank hunters are prohibited from operating alone.

They’re too weak.

As for S-rank hunters, there’s only one in South Korea.

Even the United States, the most powerful nation, only has around ten S-rank hunters, illustrating their rarity.

The criteria for becoming an S-rank hunter is the ability to manifest a solid form of Aura, known as Aura Blade, or demonstrate equivalent power.

Lee Harin, the sole S-rank hunter in South Korea, possesses ice-based abilities.

It’s no exaggeration to say that South Korea’s survival depends on her.

Now, about the monsters. They can also utilize Aura, even the weakest goblins.

This is why Aura manipulation is a requirement for A-rank hunters.

Of course, there are exceptions. Some individuals awaken with the ability to manipulate Aura, but most experience only a slight increase in strength or other minor enhancements.

These individuals must train to control their mana.

Only by controlling mana can they wield Aura-based attacks.

Even after acquiring mana control, many fail to reach the level required for Aura manipulation.

However, hunter licenses can’t be granted to everyone who awakens their abilities.

Even the weakest goblins can use Aura.

Therefore, the world is facing a severe shortage of hunters to combat the monster threat.

Several nations have already fallen due to hunter coups, with hunters seizing control.

As a result, politicians and high-ranking officials worldwide have imposed restrictions on A-rank hunters.

Failure to consistently achieve a certain level of contribution results in public shaming.

[A-rank Hunter Abandons Korea]

Headlines like this are common.

Some might question how this is possible. The powerful being oppressed by the powerless.

Public opinion plays a crucial role. Even if hunters are unfairly targeted, the public outcry forces them to comply.

This creates a precarious situation in South Korea.

The balance could tip at any moment.

If the hunters’ resentment boils over, the consequences will be catastrophic.

[Ramen: 5,000 won]

I was currently at the supermarket with Himiko.

We had run out of food at home.

‘Ramen is cheap.’

The world was in the midst of an inflationary crisis.

To control the hunters, material rewards were necessary.

These rewards were mostly monetary, and with a declining population due to monster attacks and increasing expenditures, inflation was inevitable.

The prices of non-essential goods were skyrocketing.

[Pringles: 100,000 won]

While not essential for survival, the price of snacks was exorbitant.

The government was trying its best to control the prices of essential goods like rice and water.

[Water: 5,000 won]

[Rice 20kg: 200,000 won]

I needed to reveal my power soon.

The world was on the brink of an apocalypse.

Fortunately, I was as strong as a top-tier S-rank hunter.

I had no qualms about revealing my strength.

“Mister, these prices are crazy!”

“That’s normal.”

However, I would proceed with caution. This was reality; death was permanent.