Chapter 383

The jet that Wei Fenghu had prepared was quite different from what I had imagined.

‘It’s spacious… and luxurious.’

Through the slightly open door, I could see a high-end table and what people often call a “chairman’s seat.”

Team Leader Choi, who was standing beside me, explained that the jet we were looking at was a business jet worth nearly a hundred billion won and added:

*”I never thought I’d see a jet used for state guests here.”*

Wei Fenghu responded calmly.

*”Of course. Both of you are considered state guests of our nation.”*

“Ah…”

*”Thanks to you, many soldiers and hunters were saved. No one, including myself, will ever forget your help today.”*

“…Ah, yes.”

I thought to myself that it would be nice if they could also deal with the fine dust and historical distortion issues first.

Hoping that China was a more conscientious country than I knew, I boarded the aircraft.

The pilot, who had been waiting, saluted sharply in our direction—specifically, towards Wei Fenghu.

*”Welcome, Comrade Minister of Defense.”*

*”Are the preparations complete?”*

*”Yes, all preparations, including the escort jets, are complete. We await your command.”*

When he mentioned escorts, I wondered what he meant, but then I saw five fighter jets on the runway outside, flashing their lights as if signaling to us.

‘What the heck is that?’

I never thought I’d see something like this outside of a war movie. Are we about to go into battle or something?

As I stared wide-eyed, Wei Fenghu spoke.

*”The situation hasn’t been officially disclosed yet… but as you know, Sichuan Province is currently in a state of war. With the magical interference in communications and frequent attacks by flying monsters, an escort is essential for safety.”*

“Is that really true?”

The situation was more serious than I had imagined.

We were attacked by the wyverns that came to raid Chengdu International Airport, but if this is happening across all of Sichuan Province, it’s a different story.

*”I wish I were lying.”*

Reflecting on the current situation seemed to exhaust Wei Fenghu, who leaned back into the plush seat.

*”It seems we must part ways here. Until we meet again, Colonel Xiao Shen.”*

The only one among us who hadn’t boarded the plane, Xiao Shen, stood at attention and saluted.

*”Yes, I will complete my mission as quickly as possible and rejoin you, Comrade Minister of Defense. And to you as well, sir.”*

*”I have high hopes for you.”*

Perhaps because Xiao Shen had made significant contributions, a pleased smile crossed Wei Fenghu’s lips as he looked at the promising young hunter.

Team Leader Choi bowed respectfully, and I waved my hand.

“See you next time. You fought really well today.”

It was just a simple statement.

But upon hearing my words, Xiao Shen’s eyes widened to the size of saucers. He trembled as if struck by electricity and then shouted loudly.

*”Th-Thank you! I will dedicate myself to ensuring that you are never disappointed, Mr. Jin!”*

“…Why the dedication all of a sudden?”

*”I wish you good health and safety, sir!”*

“Good health… What is he…?”

*Smack!*

*Gasp!*

That seemed like a poor choice.

He saluted so hard that he smacked his own eyebrow with the edge of his hand.

As I watched Xiao Shen grit his teeth and endure the pain, the door closed, and the business jet we were on slowly began to take off.

“That guy… he’s got a unique character.”

At my perplexed comment, Wei Fenghu chuckled.

*”Receiving praise from an idol, it’s understandable.”*

“…Excuse me?”

*”There are many young hunters in our country who admire you, Mr. Jin. Xiao Shen is no exception.”*

What? Am I some kind of Hallyu star? [1]

Come to think of it, this man, despite being a four-star general with immense power, seems quite interested in his subordinates.

Or perhaps Xiao Shen is just that highly regarded.

But still…

*Team Leader, just how high-ranking is the Minister of Defense in the Central Military Commission? I’m not familiar with their hierarchy.*

Team Leader Choi flinched at my telepathic message and responded using the messaging spell.

*He’s equivalent to the Minister of National Defense in our country. But since this is China, and Wei Fenghu is the right-hand man of the current president, his power is much greater.*

*Oh.*

So he’s like me, then. I’m the Minister of National Soup Defense.

With one special order of sundae soup, I can easily go through three bowls of rice.

Of course, Wei Fenghu could probably erase three cities with just a snap of his fingers.

And now, this powerful figure of the People’s Republic of China is leaning forward and asking us:

*”It seems we have much to discuss on the way. Don’t you agree?”*

Team Leader Choi and I nodded seriously and began to speak.

*”Of course. First, I’d like to ask about the current situation in Sichuan Province…”*

“But do you happen to have any boiled eggs and soda? I’m starving after all that fighting.”

Looks like they don’t have any.

*”We do.”*

Oh, they do.

***

The People’s Republic of China.

As the official name suggests, this vast land continues to adhere to socialism as its national ideology.

About twenty years ago, the president who solidified his dictatorship during the Great Cataclysm died, and power was transferred to a much more moderate regime, but the core remained unchanged.

*What was the name of that deceased president? Pingping? Pengpeng?*

Team Leader Choi, who had been agreeing with Wei Fenghu, twitched his lips. His poker face was impressive.

*…Just a word of caution: making such remarks here could get you in serious trouble.*

*That’s why I’m using telepathy, or rather, the messaging spell.*

*I’m telling you to be careful. Some powerful wizards above A-rank can eavesdrop on messaging spells.*

*Anyway, what was his name? Pingping? Pengpeng? I won’t be able to sleep if I don’t hear it.*

*…Pingping.*

I knew he’d answer eventually.

Relieved, I tuned in to what Wei Fenghu was saying.

*”No one could have predicted this.”*

Sichuan Province, a vast region with a population of tens of millions.

And it all started in Gaoping District of Nanzhong City, one of the 20 administrative divisions within Sichuan.

*”As you know, our country has more Gates than any other nation, more than ten times as many. Therefore, we were one of the hardest-hit countries during the Great Cataclysm, and we’ve been meticulously managing them ever since.”*

But no human power can control natural disasters, and a monster wave is an even greater calamity.

*”We received reports of a sudden spike in magic levels in Gaoping District exactly 13 minutes after the first signs appeared. By the time Lei Fei, head of the Public Security Force stationed in Sichuan, arrived on the scene with his hunters… it was already too late.”*

“Lei Fei?”

The name was unfamiliar. But for some reason, a memory surfaced in my mind.

‘That video Team Leader Choi showed me back at the guild house before we left.’

It was still vivid. The holographic image of a city in chaos and a man leading hunters as they cut down monsters.

His weapon glowed with a brilliant aura that was almost blinding.

“I think I’ve seen him before. Was he the one in the video you sent…?”

*”Yes.”*

Wei Fenghu hesitated for a moment before speaking with a faint sigh.

*”He was one of the S-rank hunters in our country. Of course, you probably didn’t know that.”*

Didn’t know?

There are only about twenty S-rank hunters in the entire world, making them absolute powerhouses.

Their fame and status far surpass those of even the most legendary Murim masters.

The internet, news, and social media platforms serve as their stage, and cameras and microphones follow them like shadows.

If Murim warriors are met with a mix of wariness and curiosity by ordinary people, hunters are nothing less than objects of admiration. They are, quite literally, the celebrities of the world.

‘And yet, we didn’t know about this S-rank hunter?’

Though Wei Fenghu spoke indirectly, the meaning behind his words was clear.

Team Leader Choi and I exchanged glances. At this moment, we both had the same thought.

‘An undisclosed S-rank hunter.’

To be precise, an S-rank hunter deliberately hidden by the Chinese government.

‘I’ve only heard rumors about this… Was it actually true?’

An S-rank hunter is like the face of a nation.

However, unlike weaker countries that try their best not to be underestimated, the strong often choose to conceal their claws.

China, already known to have two S-rank hunters, likely didn’t want to reveal all their cards.

Perhaps other major powers around the world are doing the same.

‘Even after the Great Cataclysm, the world is still engaged in this kind of power struggle.’

It felt both pitiful and somewhat understandable. Diplomacy, politics—I felt like I was glimpsing the truth of the world, something I hadn’t fully grasped before.

But unlike me, Team Leader Choi was much sharper.

*”You said ‘was one of the S-rank hunters your country possessed,’ which sounds like you’re speaking in the past tense.”*

Wei Fenghu replied with a grim expression.

*”…A week ago, when the first monster wave occurred, Lei Fei went missing. Along with the hunters under his command from the Public Security Force.”*

*”Are you sure he’s missing? Could it be…?”*

*”We couldn’t confirm his death. After that last video, the Lich—or rather, the Arch Lich—used magic to cut off all communications and surveillance.”*

Team Leader Choi and I simultaneously let out a breath. Noticing our reactions, Wei Fenghu asked in a strained voice.

*”Do you also believe Lei Fei is dead?”*

*”…Well…”*

A week ago, in that chaos, if someone went missing, the outcome is almost certain.

Seeing Team Leader Choi’s nod, I cautiously spoke up.

“Well, you know, while we can’t be sure what might have happened…”

*”Other experts say he’s a hundred percent dead. Worthless idiots.”*

Why are you so harsh? They sound like real experts to me.

If anyone claims he’s still alive under those circumstances, they should be fired immediately. It’s just the cold, hard truth.

*”But I think differently. Lei Fei… that child is definitely alive.”*

“I hope so too, but realistically speaking…”

*”He’s my only nephew. My sister, who was frail from birth, passed away after giving birth, and I raised him as my own son.”*

“Excuse me?”

Wait, your nephew? You raised him like your own child? What is this?

As I stood frozen in shock, Wei Fenghu looked at me with moist eyes and asked.

*”What were you going to say next? Realistically speaking, what?”*

Crap, this is an unprecedented crisis.

I was momentarily at a loss for words, but I managed to squeeze out a reply.

“Well, I was going to say that, realistically speaking, there’s still a small chance he might be alive…”

*”Is that true? Are you sure?”*

“Ah, yes. But that chance is extremely slim…”

*”Thank you, Mr. Jin!”*

“No, General, sir, wait a minute, please let me explain a bit more…”

*Grip!*

It was too late. Wei Fenghu wasn’t listening to me anymore. Instead, with teary eyes, he grabbed my hand tightly.

*”Can I ask you one favor?”*

I really hope you don’t.

But despite my desperate wish, the inevitable request pierced my heart just a few seconds later.

*”If you happen to meet him, could you bring him back to me?”*

*”Please, I beg you.”*

Over his shoulder, I saw Team Leader Choi shaking his head.

Maybe it would have been better if I had been firm from the start. I regretted it, but it was too late.

In the end, there was only one answer I could give.

“I’ll do my best. But…”

*”Mr. Jin.”*

“Yes?”

*”You don’t need to say anything more. I’m already prepared for whatever may come.”*

*…*

Wiping his eyes with his sleeve, Wei Fenghu returned to his role as the Minister of Defense for the Central Military Commission, not as a man worried about his family.

*”This is enough. No one else was willing to step forward, but you’ve given me hope, Mr. Jin. I’m relieved.”*

“I can’t make any guarantees.”

*”What I needed wasn’t someone’s guarantee but a glimmer of hope.”*

As Wei Fenghu murmured quietly, the plane began to descend with a sense of weightlessness.

Outside the window, shrouded in deep darkness, I could see rugged mountains, restless lights, and military vehicles.

*”It seems we’ve arrived.”*

Staring intently at the scenery outside as if possessed, I asked.

“Where are we?”

*”The temporary operations headquarters.”*

“No, that’s not what I’m asking.”

*”Hmm?”*

“The mountain. This mountain feels strangely familiar to me.”

*”That can’t be. I don’t believe you’ve been to our country before… Ah, perhaps you’ve seen it in a photograph?”*

“A photograph?”

*”It’s designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so it’s possible.”*

With a faint smile, Wei Fenghu continued.

*”Welcome to the temporary operations headquarters at Mount Qingcheng (青城山).”* [2]

***

Footnotes:
[1] The Hallyu wave (or “Korean Wave”) refers to the global popularity of South Korea’s cultural economy exporting pop culture, entertainment, music, TV dramas, and movies.
[2] *Mount Qingcheng (青城山) is one of the most famous Taoist mountains in China and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.*