Chapter : 89
A Distant Path Toward Solitary Cultivation (11)
“Is that so? I’m curious what you heard.”
“I was indebted while Nana and the others weren’t around.”
“Ah… Raptors… It was nothing really.”
“One is nothing, yes. But handling a whole pack of settled Raptors isn’t something just anyone can do.”
“If you know the trick, anyone can do it.”
Ethan lit a long pipe with a match. Slowly exhaling the smoke upward, he said,
“Want a hit?”
“No thanks. Not a hobby of mine.”
“Humans seem to crave this so much. Then I’ll smoke alone. That’s fine, right?”
“Do as you wish.”
Suhyeon understood what Ethan was talking about. The tobacco cultivated by elves was famous for its unique aroma and taste. While Ethan leisurely smoked, Suhyeon waited calmly. Seeing him quiet, Ethan smiled gently.
“Why aren’t you saying anything?”
“Because if I wait, you’ll ask first, won’t you?”
A soft laugh. Ethan stopped laughing and nodded.
“So, I got one hit. Right, you said you came to make a request.”
“Have you heard the details?”
“Yes, the content itself isn’t that difficult a request. That’s something I can do out of goodwill.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re not really agreeing yet. Why leave out the conditions? You asked the Korean government to hide information if they tried contacting you, didn’t you?”
“That’s right.”
“Honestly, don’t you think it’s a bit too much? You know our situation well enough.”
Suhyeon nodded calmly. Although the countries active in Cameron were bound by strict treaties, they had the power to attack and defeat these non-human races anytime. From the perspective of these non-human races, treaties composed only of words and documents were not very reliable.
“We’re on fairly good terms with the Korean government. And the merchants who come, too…”
“They probably won’t ask. To get to that point, you’d have to slip up, and I don’t handle things that way.”
“Still, the possibility isn’t zero.”
“What do you want?”
Suhyeon pressed directly. He wouldn’t beat around the bush without reason. Ethan flinched at the bluntness and paused.
“So I see. I’m responsible for these people here. If I have to do something that could get me in trouble with the Korean government, I should at least be promised something fitting in return, shouldn’t I?”
“Well… it won’t actually get you in trouble with the Korean government, and even if it did, the ones in trouble wouldn’t be you. Humans would suffer if things went sour with you.”
If relations with Korea broke down, the U.S. or other countries would step in. Ethan was exaggerating a little. Having his logic pointed out by Suhyeon, he licked his lips.
“Still, changing all your business partners is a kind of loss too. Tell me then. If I can, I will.”
“Let’s be blunt. I want military force.”
“Military force?”
At the unexpected answer, Suhyeon furrowed his brows.
“Not enough explanation. Let me clarify. There was a major battle recently in the Calcutta jungle. Have you heard?”
Although Suhyeon was directly involved in that battle, he didn’t say anything.
“Uh… China? Their soldiers, I heard.”
“Yes, I know. Impressive that you know that much.”
“Even among humans, there’s a line. Those slow with information get left behind. Anyway… things are tense these days. The Ames plains don’t have many monsters, but maybe that’s why human contact is more frequent.”
Suhyeon understood what Ethan was worried about. Korea didn’t cause trouble in Cameron, but it tended to stay within its bounds. By contrast, China or Russia could cross the line anytime if they chose.
News that such countries appeared near the Ames Plains and clashed was serious.
‘Still, an elf with sharp eyes… impressive.’
He had to fully understand the surrounding dynamics to worry like that.
“The U.S. and Korea were decent partners, but others frighten me. I’ve heard rumors too. When they come here, what should we do?”
“If you ask the U.S. or Korean governments, they’ll send troops.”
“Yes, that’s an option. But I don’t want that.”
“Would cost a lot.”
Ethan nodded. The conversation with Suhyeon was comfortable. They accurately assessed the situation, so nothing was awkward.
If they requested the government, troops would be sent to protect them—but at a significant cost. And afterward, they couldn’t freely pull back the troops.
“So the request… is for military support in case hostile outsiders appear?”
“Is it too difficult a request?”
Suhyeon smiled—the same chilling smile Ada had described.
“No. That kind of ‘cleanup’ is my specialty.”
Once Suhyeon accepted, things progressed quickly. Ethan promised to deliver supplies to a designated location with only Ada and a few trusted elves.
“I’ll report the return situation to Ada.”
“Thanks. Also… if you see suspicious people, it’s best not to confront them directly.”
“I’m not weak either.”
“Psychic?”
“Do you think Ada learned it from someone? She has the same abilities as me.”
That made her a reinforced ability user. Judging by her skills, she wasn’t weak. Moreover, these elves had fully embraced human civilization—they were well-armed.
Still, Suhyeon would side with the Chinese special forces over the elves in a fight. They didn’t engage in battles they couldn’t win.
‘Specialists in their field… they’ll definitely make a mark here.’
The Ames Plains were too attractive. Places with fewer monsters in Cameron always drew attention. Since they appeared in Calcutta, it was only a matter of time before more appeared.
‘And with the Dragon Slayer Project too…’
The Dragon Slayer Project affected more than just Korea. China, Russia, and other countries also suffered catastrophic losses. But Korea and China differed in manpower. While Korea staggered after losing a team, China could continuously replenish.
If Korea’s mercenary companies and government teams were wiped out by the project, China could test the waters.
“Still, if you see them, avoid them. Some rules: if you see them, avoid. If they attack, run. If you can’t run, surrender. Give them what they want—they won’t kill.”
“……”
Suhyeon’s blunt advice left Ethan embarrassed. This was almost disrespectful.
“We asked for help, but that’s only in full-scale war. We’re not that weak.”
“I know. Still, just avoid them. A fight itself means disadvantage. Never rely solely on powers to charge in.”
With anyone else, maybe, but Suhyeon’s words carried weight. His actions reinforced his advice.
“…Understood. I’ll keep it in mind.”
Outside, Suhyeon walked with Ada, discussing what had just happened.
“Felt more threatening than expected, huh? Asking for such a request.”
“We have no choice but to be wary of humans. Isn’t that so?”
“I understand. Honestly, humans are more threatening than monsters.”
Monsters stayed in their territory; humans did not.
“Earlier, that distant relative—Luiril, right? Are they psychic too?”
“Hmm? No.”
“Really?”
‘Even hiding abilities… meticulous.’
Suhyeon thought that without interference, Luiril would have continued stealing stably.
“I haven’t seen them often, but I’m glad to visit after a long time.”
“May I ask what they do?”
“Uh….”
Ada hesitated. Judging by her expression, she didn’t know Luiril’s activities well either.
“They travel often, but what exactly, I don’t know…”
“They travel, huh? Interesting. May I meet them? Hearing things I don’t know is always valuable.”
“If it’s you, that’s fine. Follow me.”
Without realizing she was taking the tiger to a relative, Ada led Suhyeon to Luiril.
“Who’s there?”
“Ada Strandahl. May we come in?”
“Ah, come in.”
Another human stood behind Ada. Luiril tilted her head.
“Who?”
“A guest. If it’s okay with Luiril unnie, we’d like to sit and hear recent updates.”
Luiril reluctantly nodded. She could refuse, but as a guest, it was awkward to turn them away.
“What brings this guest here?”
“Sorry, can’t tell.”
“……”
Knowing Ada’s personality, Luiril didn’t press further. She would investigate later why this human came.
‘Why is this human staring at me so intently?’
Suhyeon’s gaze made Luiril flinch. Not lustful, but sharp, piercing.
“Oh, no drinks? I’ll bring some.”
Ada went outside. Luiril began considering how to extract information from this human.
“It’s a bit chilly. May I close the window?”
“?”
Suhyeon stood and asked; Luiril nodded. He closed the window and lowered the blinds.
“What brings you here?”
“I came to make a request to the chief. Haven’t we met before?”
Luiril stared at him, baffled. She had heard many attempts by humans, but nothing as blunt as Suhyeon.
“We haven’t. Maybe you’re mistaken?”
Her assessment of Suhyeon dropped several levels, but her expression stayed calm. Unlike Ada, Luiril had lived long among humans and could maintain a composed face.
“Mistaken? I don’t mistake elves like you.”
“Where did you see me?”
“Recently, in a back alley of Pyongyang’s black market, didn’t you see me?”
“?”
Luiril considered his words, then realized the meaning.
“!”
Her reaction was quick—commendable for being flustered. But against Suhyeon, it didn’t matter.
Snap!
After stopping her hand from drawing a weapon, he grabbed her neck and used his other hand to cover her face.
“Now you know who I am, right?”
“You…!”
“Small world, huh? Didn’t expect to meet like this. Truly.”
Luiril desperately sought a teleportation spot, but the blinds blocked her view. Only then did she understand why he had claimed it was cold.
‘Meticulous bastard!’
“Open up. Don’t spit.”
Suhyeon skillfully opened Luiril’s mouth and dropped a few drops of liquid inside.
“Now, swallow.”
“Guh, guh guh guh!”
“Teleporters are tricky. You might want to run, but you shouldn’t. Ask Ada—my poisons aren’t easily neutralized.”
After losing her artifact to Suhyeon, Luiril had stayed outside the city. Being exposed to a mysterious man and having her tail stepped on, she judged it best to rest outside.
But avoiding the wolf only to meet the tiger.
