Leveling Up Alone

Chapter 351 – Instigated Confusion (7)

[Fujimura!]

[Ha! Sir!]

The chairman of the Hunters’ Association responded with a salute when the prime minister called upon him.

The Japanese Hunters’ Association stood out for its direct affiliation with the Japanese Government, setting it apart from associations in other countries. Most of the country's politicians were Hunters, strengthening the bond between the government and the association. In fact, the current prime minister, Shinzo, had previously chaired the Hunters’ Association, while the current chairman, Fujiwara, had served as his aide. This close relationship made the government and the association inseparable in Japan.

[Do you have any plans prepared?] inquired the prime minister.

[Ha! Yes, sir! The monster that emerged on Tsushima Island is an SSS Tier monster named ‘Craspio,’ and the damage will be immense even if we manage to hunt it. Our best option is to lure the monster away from our lands and toward the Korean Peninsula,] suggested Fujiwara.

[Hmm...]

Prime Minister Shinzo didn't seem pleased with Fujiwara’s proposal. He couldn't fathom the brave Hunters of the Great Japanese Empire yielding to a single monster, regardless of its size, and resorting to leading it toward Joseon instead. To him, it seemed cowardly.

Nevertheless, Fujiwara stood firm by the plan.

[Our measuring devices exploded when we attempted to gauge the monster’s mana density. While I don’t doubt our Hunters' ability to slay the monster, our lands will suffer massive destruction. Let's take this opportunity to teach them a lesson! With only six Master Rank Hunters, there's no way they can defeat this monster. Our twelve Master Rank Hunters can't guarantee it either!]

[Hmm... Very well, then I entrust full authority to you on this matter,] conceded the prime minister.

[Ha!] Fujimura saluted in response, though discontent lingered within him.

‘Tsk... This decision will tarnish the reputation of our great country...’

Japan’s influence on the international stage has significantly waned since the appearance of dimensional gates. More accurately, they deliberately diminished their influence. The country’s ‘Galapagos Syndrome’ worsened, pushing them into reclusiveness following a surge in right-wing sentiments among their citizens. Additionally, the advent of mana stones enabled Japan to realize their self-sustainability dreams, reducing their need for international engagement.

Nevertheless, Japan remained a global powerhouse, boasting twelve Master Rank Hunters. Fujiwara found the notion of luring the monster to a weaker country dishonorable. Yet, he couldn’t prioritize honor over the potential devastation his country might face if they confronted the monster.

‘This might be an opportunity to humble those arrogant fools.’

The resurgence of right-wing sentiments reignited Japan’s desire to reclaim the Korean Peninsula. They established ‘Takeshima Day’ and embedded in their elementary, middle school, and high school curriculum the belief that the island belonged to Japan, branding Koreans as illegal occupants.

Multiple factors fueled the enmity between Korea and Japan. Tourism nearly ceased, leaving minimal trade and diplomatic exchanges. Relations deteriorated to a point where both countries engaged in frequent bickering and de-escalation.

Unfortunately, South Korea found itself at a disadvantage. Not only were they weaker than Japan, but pro-Japanese factions persisted within their government. The only barrier preventing Japan from invading South Korea was the presence of United States bases in both countries, barring an allied country from invading another.

***

A special task force team was assembled within just six hours of the giant monster's appearance on Daema Island, with the Japan Self-Defense Forces' Commander, Matsuro Tawakashiga, chosen to lead it.

One Master Rank Hunter, along with two hundred S Rank Hunters and three thousand sailors from the navy, were deployed to initiate the special operation called ‘Deer Herding’.

South Korea dispatched drones to observe the real-time events, while Japan did not, despite the monster raid being a crucial task for both nations. It was evident to the innocent people of South Korea that Japan aimed to raid the monster.

“Hmm...”

“Kieeeek!”

Han-Yeol arrived in Busan riding on Mavros’ back. His visit held no particular purpose; he firmly believed in Japan's ability to defeat Craspio. He was merely here to assess Craspio’s capabilities in case another monster appeared in South Korea.

In essence, he was sightseeing.

Pshhh!

Gulp! Gulp! Gulp! Gulp!

Han-Yeol had brought fried chicken and beer to relish during the spectacle.

“Ah! Beer tastes the best when cold!”

“Kieeek!”

The fried chicken, even to Han-Yeol, South Korea's richest man, was from a shop he frequented in his impoverished days, and the beer was a standard convenience store brand.

“Alright, put on a good show for me, Japan!”

Chwak! Chwak!

Mavros hovered in mid-air to offer Han-Yeol a better view, something he welcomed as he was content whenever Han-Yeol rode on his back.

While Han-Yeol savored his beer and chicken, thirty Japanese battleships, bearing the Criminal Flag (Rising Sun Flag), were approaching Daema Island.

‘Yes, that’s it.’

Han-Yeol refrained from using his Demon Eyes to fully relish the spectacle. Instead, he infused mana into his eyes for a clearer view of the events.

Heh.

He smirked at what he witnessed.

Meanwhile, one of Japan's Master Rank Hunters, Yuta, appeared troubled. He couldn't comprehend his government's decision to lure the monster to the Korean peninsula. Despite its formidable appearance, the mana stone and body parts from such a creature would be immensely valuable. Why would the government relinquish such a valuable asset to the Koreans?

However, upon a closer encounter, he realized this was a monster he couldn't defeat. He couldn't help but feel grateful that they didn't have to resort to killing it.

‘This is absurd... There’s no way anyone can win against this thing...!’

Yuta was certain he would have fled without hesitation if the government had asked him to confront and eliminate this monster.

‘Damn it...!’ he grimaced and trembled.

This was the first time his body trembled from fear since awakening as a Hunter. He tried to calm himself down, but fear overpowered him, even though Craspio remained inactive.

‘We should hurry up and get this over with.’

Operation Deer Herding employed unmanned fighter jets and helicopters, the Hunters serving as a precaution in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Psshhh!

[We have finished our preparation, Yuta-san!]

[What about Commander Matsuro?]

[They have completed their preparations as well.]

[Okay, commence the operation.]

[Yes, sir!]

The helicopters swiftly took off from the carrier’s helipad upon Yuta's approval.

Dududududu!

The unmanned fighter jets scouting the area altered their course, also heading toward Craspio.

[Fire!]

Ratatata! Shwooong... Kaboom!

The helicopters and fighter jets unleashed their attack on Craspio the moment the order was given, a sight that would likely captivate anyone witnessing such a display of force. However, Han-Yeol, observing the attack's commencement, tilted his head in confusion.

Despite the appearance of Japan throwing everything at the monster, Han-Yeol sensed something amiss.

‘What? Why are they attacking Craspio with unmanned helicopters and fighter jets instead of deploying the Hunters?’

It was common knowledge that monsters were shielded by mana barriers, and only attacks infused with mana could effectively penetrate this defense. Traditional weapons might work against weaker monsters like the Volaxes, but using them against Craspio, arguably the most powerful monster on Earth, seemed futile.

At best, this attack would merely tickle Craspio. Whether it hurt or amused the monster remained unknown, but Craspio finally opened its eyes after standing with them closed throughout the assault.

Its reptilian golden eyes, while striking, weren't the immediate concern. Craspio glared at the unmanned helicopters and fighter jets that had disturbed its slumber, and it responded by opening its jaws.

“Krwaaaaaaaaah!” Craspio unleashed a deafening roar, causing onlookers in Busan to lose consciousness, despite it being a simple roar and not a specialized skill.

“Kyaaaah!”

“Aaaack!”

“Wow... That’s quite something,” Han-Yeol said in awe.

“Kiek!” Mavros nodded in agreement.

The roar, while not as potent as Dragon Fear, proved surprisingly effective for a non-mana-powered ability.

Naturally, Mavros remained unfazed by the roar.

Thud!

Craspio's step resonated through Daema Island.

Whoosh! Boom!

A fighter jet was swatted down by the monster.

However, the Japanese remained unperturbed by the loss, given that the fighter jet was unmanned. While the aircraft held a considerable expense, sacrificing a single jet was a modest price to divert the monster away from their territories.

Psshh!

[Lure the monster to Busan!]

[Ha!]

Whiiiing...!

‘Hmm?’

As anticipated, Han-Yeol was the first to respond to the unexpected movements of the Japanese forces.

‘Don’t tell me...?’

Wooong!

He employed Telepathy.

Ding!

[The Telepathy skill level has increased.]

Han-Yeol disregarded the message's significance. His focus was compelled to channel his mana into the skill, given the distance to his target.

Wooong...!

Successfully penetrating an officer's mind, he grimaced in anger upon uncovering a piece of information.

‘These reckless individuals are attempting to lure that monster to Korea simply because they can't defeat it?!’

He mused that forming a joint coalition to confront the monster would have been preferable. Yet, the Japanese chose deceit, publicly declaring their intent to engage the monster while covertly scheming to lure it to the Korean Peninsula.

‘Tsk... That's typical of those Japanese...’

“Kiiiieeeeeeeee!”

Thud!

Craspio began pursuing the unmanned helicopters and fighter jets, while Han-Yeol was engrossed in probing the officer's thoughts. The monster headed toward Busan, signaling success for the Japanese's scheme.

‘Damn it! What can I do?’

Craspio was the least of Han-Yeol’s concerns at that moment. Gazing downward, he beheld hundreds of thousands of unconscious spectators who had gathered to witness the Japan Self-Defense Force’s confrontation with the monster but had succumbed to Craspio's roar.

Should Craspio reach Busan, the imminent threat was clear. Every one of these people would perish, and the city would be awash in a river of blood.

“Mavros!”

“Kiek!”

Chwak! Chwak!

Han-Yeol found himself with no other option. He intended to buy time with Mavros, but...

“Wait, Mavros.”

“Kiek?”

Han-Yeol detected something peculiar in the distance.

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