Chapter 98- Meeting and threatening?

The very next day after the conference, the team of four hunters from Korea landed in Japan, with the motive of fighting against the dungeon monsters.

The dungeon break would transpire tomorrow, and as such, Haru and the others had more than enough time to rest and prepare.

While Cha Hae-In looked troubled and wanted to see Jin-Woo before leaving, she didn't verbalize her desire and boarded the plane. The same goes for Haru, who only met Jinah for an instant and bid his farewell.

Haru informed Cha about Jin-Woo's well-being, which greatly helped her calm down.

Now, gathered in the office room of the Japanese Hunter Association were the four hunters from Korea, and four from Japan, including their strongest, two translators, along with Reiji Sugimoto and Matsumoto Shigeo.

Apart from Haru, everyone had a tense expression on their faces as the meeting about tomorrow began.

"We have already evacuated the cities and shifted most of the people to the coastlines. However, there is still a considerable amount of populace around the dungeon site—a matter of great concern."

Matsumoto Shigeo informed the others about the probable casualties that may incur from the human side once hell breaks loose tomorrow.

It wasn't speculation but rather a fact that tomorrow, once the monsters from the gate begin pouring out, numerous people would die, regardless of the hunters on guard.

If anything, the Chairman hoped the hunters would keep the fight within Tokyo, or else Japan, or maybe the world, would no longer be safe to reside.

"I can help them evacuate tonight. I just need proper shelters where I can put them for the time being. Also, the fight won't spread across Japan. I will limit the battlefield within Tokyo." The youngest in the room, Nanase Haruka, spoke in a casual tone while comfortably resting his back on the sofa.

There were varying reactions from the people, but most from the Japanese side seemed in slight disbelief and highly frustrated.

"Aren't you over-evaluating yourself a little, Hunter? Do you think fighting numerous S-ranks could be as easy as handling those humanoid monsters?"

Here, Monarchs were referred to as the humanoid monsters, whom Haru defeated back on Jeju Island. The fact that Haru handled them single-handedly must have left an impression that those Monarchs were nothing but fodder.

The realization made Haru chuckle, and the Japanese hunter who previously spoke—agitated.

"What's so funny about this?" The orange-haired fighter—Hoshino Minoru asked, with his voice evidently wrapped in annoyance.

However, Haru didn't seem influenced by the behavior as he nonchalantly said, "Being one of the weakest here, you sure talk like a hot shot."

"!!!" Immediately Minoru's eyes widened before his mana began to envelop his demeanor, making the atmosphere heavier than before.

Reiji maintained his composure, offering no reaction as he calmly sat, showing no inclination to intervene. Meanwhile, Goto's glower towards Haru intensified. Among the Korean hunters, Cha Hae-In appeared a bit flustered, while the other two maintained a neutral stance.

"You piece of s-" However, before Minoru could finish cursing the boy, Haru released just a fragment of his mana which made the building floor tremble under his domineering presence.

Minoru's face turned ashen at the piercing gaze behind Haru's shades. An eerie silence enveloped the room as Minoru struggled to contain his rising fear, desperate not to succumb to the urge to vomit on the floor.

Amidst the silence, it was Raeji who spoke up, "Haru..."

With a single utterance, the pressure instantly lifted, allowing the hunters to finally catch their breath. Among them, Raeji, Goto, and Cha Hae-In appeared relatively unfazed. However, Minoru, visibly affected, sank into his seat, the color draining from his face, and beads of sweat rolling down his forehead.

'I-Is he even a human...?' At the center of Haru's blood lust, Minoru was the one who mainly felt the pressure of that energy. Minoru might not say it aloud, but even Goto was nothing in comparison to how much pressure Haru bestowed upon Minoru.

The atmosphere cooled down somewhat as Matsumoto spoke up, "A-Anyways, since Nanase-kun is taking the responsibility of helping the civilians, I would arrange shelters before evening and provide you with the location as soon as I can."

Matsumoto knew that under different circumstances, he might have chosen an alternative strategy. However, at this very moment, his priority was to enlist Haruka and the other Korean hunters. Their strength and support were crucial in facing the current crisis.

"Umm, if I may ask, what team would be on the vanguard with us?" It was Cha Hae-In who asked the question, given how it would be better to know the strength of their allies so they could fight against the adversaries in the most efficient manner.

Matsumoto looked at the screen near him for a moment before he replied, "They are currently in the indoor gym. If you want you can go and meet them there."

Cha Hae-In exchanged a nod with Baek Yoon-Ho, signaling their agreement before they unanimously made the decision.

With no lingering questions, the hunters collectively stood up, preparing to head towards the gym. The only one left in the office was Matsumoto Shigeo.

Once they were out, Raeji pulled Haru to a side and asked, "Haru, can you really relocate everyone within one day?" Unlike how he seemed back in the office, Reiji was sounding a lot more concerned about the commitment his son declared.

Haru raised his brows before asking, "You don't trust me, Dad?"

"It isn't... *sigh* It isn't like that, Haru...I just don't want you to take everything on yourself. Just try to rely on others, alright?"

Hearing those words that contained genuine concern and warmth coming from his father, Haru nodded in assent before responding,

"I will, Dad. Don't worry."

*****

A/N:- So I was thinking...should I write a scene of the hunters sparring or just move to the dungeon raid? Drop your thoughts in the comments.